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THE 



SPIRITUAL PILGRIM: 



% Dbgrapjnr cf 



JAMES M. PEEBLES. 



By J. 0. BAKEETT. 




" My name is ' Pilgrim ; ' my religion is Love ; my home is the Universe ; my 
soul-effort is to educate and elevate humanity." 



BOSTON: 
WILLIAM WHITE AND COMPANY, 

BANNER OF LIGHT OFFICE, 

158 "Washington Street. 

NEW YOKE. AGENTS: — THE AMEKICAN NEWS COMPANY, 

119 Nassau Steeet. 

1871. 






Entered, according to Act of Congress, in the year 1871, 

By J. O. BARRETT, 

In the Office of the Librarian of Congress, at Washington. 



Printed by William White &> Co. 



Saxrtfcr to % ^njjel: 
Madame ELIZABETH PHILIPINE IARIE HELLENE, 



OF FRANCE. 



A FBIEKDLY EPISTLE. 



Dear Reader, — My object in writing this book is to encourage the world's, 
reformers. 

In the fall of 1868, busily engaged in literary work at my residence, Mr. Peebles 
related some of his experiences by way of pleasantry ; when, deeply interested, I 
playfully said, "Why, James, such incidents have a beautiful moral! you should y 
publish them for others' benefit." Urging the claim with cogent reasons, I suc- 
ceeded in parrying off his jokes about it, but put myself in a dilemma unexpectedly, 
for I must be the biographer ! Embosomed in the faith of this brother's love, it 
did seem a natural choice. 

Meeting him again the next summer, on the shore of Elkhart Lake, Wis., in 
that " Wigwam Bower of Prayer," I took the horsocope of his life, — the shadows 
of fact cast in the light of the spirit. Corresponding with some of his friends — 
whose kindnesses are gratefully acknowledged — to procure old and new letters, 
and seizing upon his voluminous writings, I at length had a little mountain of 
documents ; and what a chaos ! So checkered did I find his life, my greatest diffi- 
culty was to reduce this sketch to consistent bounds. Much remains untold. 

A biography, you know, is the hardest portraiture to delineate. It is a slight 
task to measure by rule, and quite a different art to impress the soul till sentences 
think with words that burn. The writer must have sympathetically the experience 
of his hero, — fight his battles, weep with his tears, rejoice with his joy, feel the 
pulses of his heart. 

Oh, for Nature's art ! The poet's success is what he feels ; inspired feeling 
through a practical mind is divinely eloquent. The painter needs more than an 
anatomy : he must catch the soul of his subject, and stamp it upon canvas, or his 
effort is a failure. Sweden's song-birds, Jenny Lind and Christine Nilsson — poor 
peasant girls once — enchant the nations; for theirs is the soul of music. 

I never would have undertaken the honored task of writing the actual biog- 
raphy of a man whose life-line threads over all the world, and heaven too, 
interlacing with the " New Gospel " in its most delicate and refined activities, had 
I not been guided by a genius higher than my own, by an angel familiar with all 
the experiences of the " Spiritual Pilgrim." Have I caught it, — the soul? 



" Thy song, the joy and sorrow of all races, 
Life's contradictions, harmonized anew " ? 



Glen Beulah, Wis. 



PREFACE. 

BY EMMA HAKDINGE. 



Time is the great and original touchstone of truth. When this impartial judge 
has pronounced his verdict upon movements whose source dates back to periods 
antecedent to our own, the records that are left us gain force and interest in our 
minds in exact proportion to our information concerning the personages who were 
instrumental in creating the events recorded. It is for this reason that biography 
is esteemed as the most acceptable and analytical form that history can assume. 
All human transactions originate in the influences of the human spirit, whether in 
the visible or invisible world ; hence we can only approach the problem of causa- 
tion, when we begin to understand the nature of the spiritual forces that have been 
brought to bear upon the events we trace. When the great spiritual outpouring of 
the nineteenth century shall be submitted to the judgment of posterity, and the 
criterion of time, unbiassed by passion or prejudice, shall determine its true 
value to mankind, the more precious the record may become, the more eagerly will 
humanity search for the footprints of its pioneers, preachers, teachers, media, and 
martyrs. It is this tendency to identify all human interests with human individu- 
alities that has led to the errors of hero-worship, and god-men. Perhaps the best 
corrective that can be devised for this species of idolatry is the calm and strictly 
human record which biography presents ; and therefore we know of no better service 
that the writers of the present era can perform to posterity than to prepare for their 
use truthful records of the various individualities that have been engaged in the 
wonderful and world-wide movement known as " Modern Spiritualism." 

Perhaps none of the phenomenal personages of this movement can furnish a 
more striking, instructive, and interesting theme for the biographer than J. M. 
Peebles. His early education and connection with the ministry in phases of 
religious belief utterly opposed to the great modern revelation ; his long, patient, 
and self-sacrificing labors for the promotion of Spiritualism, when, Saul-like, he 
became inspired as its apostle; his admirable and scholarly contributions to its 
literature, and the vast geographical areas over which his experiences have been 
extended in both hemispheres, — all contribute to render this biography at once 
one of the most interesting and important that the movement can furnish. 

Will the bright angelic visitors, whose presence here is now so clearly demon- 

7 



8 PREFACE. 

strated, continue their missionary labors amongst earth's children 1 Can they, if 
they would, do so ? or are these bright forerunners of our immortal destiny to 
perform the work of building the temple of the new Zion, and then to pass away 
from the longing eyes of mortality 1 

Will Spiritualism be absorbed by sectarian organizations, and used simply as 
an agent for the promotion of liberal ideas 1 or will it remain a concrete movement, 
itself absorbing all other religious associations in the vortex of its irrepressible 
powers of demonstration and reason ? 

Will the spirits continue to experiment until they have perfected their glorious 
telegraph between heaven and earth? or, weary of our apathy, shortcomings, and 
indifference, will they permit no glimpses only of the possibilities that lie dor- 
mant within the human soul, and then leave the earth to await the uprising of a 
more faithful and spiritually-minded generation 1 

These are questions upon which the Spiritualists have formed widely diverse 
opinions, and upon which no Cassandra's voice will be accepted as authority until 
the results shall be proven in time ; but, however these may ultimate, the immense 
importance of clear, concise histories of what has been done, said, thought, and 
suffered in the earlier phases of this movement can never be exaggerated. 

The causes which operated to convert so many various grades of character and 
intellect as Spiritualism includes should all be weighed and duly considered. The 
world's reception of its spiritual teachers, — the effects of their unparalleled labors, 
and too frequently of their sufferings, in the performance of their mission, — the 
records of all this should be preserved as milestones on the road of human prog- 
ress, without which the pilgrims of the future are liable to fall into precisely 
the same toils and snares as have beset the paths of the pioneers. 

The writer has herself proved the impossibility of condensing the events of the 
world-wide movement known as Spiritualism into any more comprehensive form 
than a mere compendium; but, to do justice to the personages who have so faith- 
fully and toilfully created the chain of spiritual history, nothing but individualized 
biographies will suffice. 

As a brother laborer in the cause of Spiritualism, as a writer whose pearls 
of glowing eloquence and gems of historic research always formed felicitous sub- 
jects for quotation, the writer has long known and gratefully esteemed J. M. 
Peebles. 

As a laborer on the older soil of Europe, where the fogs of tradition and the 
stern spirit of religious bigotry and conservatism weave a pall around the mind as 
fatal to the new life of Spiritualism as the panoply of the grave, Mr. Peebles has 
been equally bold, indefatigable, and successful. 

Returning to his native country, freighted with the rich treasures of knowledge 
and experience gathered up in many lands and from contact with many minds, 
Mr. Peebles is eminently fitted to perform his share of the mighty work of 
knitting together in the ties of divine fatherhood and human brotherhood all 
the broken and scattered lines of humanity distributed over life's ocean, from the 
farthest East to the remotest West. 

The man that has stood on the last foothold of Western civilization, on 
the golden sands of California, and wandered amongst the pioneer men whose 
ancestors first numbered up the mystery of the solemn stars on the plains of Ara- 



PREFACE. 9 

bia, — the man who has been enabled to compare the influences of the spiritual 
outpouring over nearly all the vast breadth of the equatorial belt, and speak Spirit- 
ualism in the ears of the wandering Arab, the fateful Mussulman, the degenerate 
Roman, the fickle Frenchman, the sternly orthodox Briton, and the inquisitive 
cosmopolitan American, — such a Spiritualist, faithful in his belief and its expres- 
sion to all persons and in all places alike, is an historical man whom the world 
ought to know, and of whom the ranks of Spiritualism have just cause to be 
proud. 

That a scholar, a thinker, and a man of large heart, broad principles, and high 
intellectual attainments has been inspired to the work of collating the materials 
which form the subject of the following pages is also a source of congratulation, 
and can not fail to secure for their perusal respectful and candid consideration. 
The writer can not answer for the methods pursued by authors in general; but, in 
her own case, she has more than once realized the advantage of writing a preface 
after a perusal of the main body of the work. 

Of course, this admission implies a recognition of some disadvantages in the 
■per contra of this system ; still, the knowledge which we possess of the field of 
resource to be traveled over, and the able hands in which that field of labor has 
fallen, justifies us in anticipating a rich treat to the student of the following pages. 

That the dear angels who have so faithfully and tenderly guided their mission- 
ary through the thorny paths of an unpopular reform will themselves superintend 
and inspire the transcription which bears witness to their divine achievements, we 
can not doubt; hence we may confidently usher into the world the biography and 
spiritual experiences of J. M. Peebles as one of the most important and remarka- 
ble contributions to the literature of the age of which the nineteenth century can 
boast. 



CONTENTS. 



PAGE 

A Friendly Epistle •••••••..5 



Preface • 7 

CHAPTER I. 
Plants, Birds, and Flowers 15 

CHAPTER H. 
School-Days 19 

CHAPTER HI. 
Getting Religion. — The Ministry 25 

CHAPTER TV. 
The Spirits.— Radical Preaching 33 

CHAPTER V. 
Steps to Freedom 40 

CHAPTER VI. 
The Prophet Man • .... 57 

CHAPTER VH. 
" Thy Sins are forgiven thee I " 63 

CHAPTER Vm. 
El Dorado . , . 73 

CHAPTER IX. 
The Chain of Pearls and Spirit-Bands ......... 81 

CHAPTER X. 

" G-ONE TO THE WARS " .88 

11 



12 CONTENTS. 

PAGE. 
CHAPTER XI. 

Mediumship 90 

CHAPTER Xn. 
The Gold that wears 107 

CHAPTER XHI. 
Correspondence with Spirits 120 

CHAPTER XIV. 
The Mosaic of Wit 127 

CHAPTER XV. 
Literary Lite 131 

CHAPTER XVI. 
Heart-Echoes , 149 

CHAPTER XVH. 
The Worker and his Works 157 

chapter xvrn. 

The Obsessed Woman 165 

CHAPTER XIX. 
Indian Spirits and their Brethren West 171 

CHAPTER XX. 
Love-Life 178 

CHAPTER XXL 
Ascension into the Celestial Heavens 185 

CHAPTER XXII. 
" Blessed are the Pure in Heart" 190 

CHAPTER XXHI. 
Queen of Morn. — A Vision 198 

CHAPTER XXTV. 
A New Cycle 205 

CHAPTER XXV. 
Appointed Consul 209 

CHAPTER XXVI. 
In Foreign Lands 213 



CONTENTS. 13 

PAGE. 
CHAPTER XXVII. 

" La Belle France " 221 

chapter xxvrn. 

Pilgrimage in the Orient 228 

CHAPTER XXIX. 
Naples and Rome 240 

CHAPTER XXX. 
Florence 249 

CHAPTER XXXI. 
Work in the British Isles .259 

CHAPTER XXXH. 
European Correspondence 276 

CHAPTER XXXin. 
The Farewell in London 285 

CHAPTER XXXIV. 
"Watchman, ho I ..... 294 



THE SPIRITUAL PILGRIM. 



CHAPTER I. 

PLANTS, BIRDS, AND FLOWERS. 

"Flood the new heavens and earth, and with thee bring 
All the old virtues." "Whittier. 

The rough diamond polished in adversity, the child brained in 
philosophy, the orator tongued in love, the pilgrim grayed in wintry 
storms, the seer translated in a chariot of God, the ministering angel 
now, — such is life, O exiles ! 

" Let all harmonies 
Of sound, form, color, motion, wait upon 
The princely guest." 

Julius Caesar forced obedience in Britain, — centuries of discipline. 
Then a colony of industrious citizens — paternally Roman, maternally 
Scottish — settled a high elevation on the northern bank of the Tweed, 
inland from the sea, south from beautiful Edinburgh, Scotland. It 
was democratically named Peebles, from the Latin populi, many 
people. It was the resort of the Scottish kings and queens during 
the summer months. Alexander III. sought its hunting-grounds, 
when tired of war. After the battle of Nevill-Cross, in which David 
II. was taken prisoner, the town of Peebles contributed so largely for 
his ransom it was created a royal burgh ; when titles were conferred 
upon the families of Peebles, making them eligible to seats in parlia- 
ment. This continued till the passage of " The Reform Act." Wal- 

15 



16 THE SPIRITUAL PILGRIM. 

ter Scott frequently mentions Peebles in his works, and describes 

"the rashness and impetuosity of John Peebles, an Earl.' 1 ' 

Alexander Smith thus improvises a song, entitled " The Tweed at 

Peebles : " — 

"I lay in my bedroom at Peebles, 
"With the window-curtains drawn, 
While there stole over hills of pasture and pine 
The unresplendent dawn. 

"And in the deep silence I listened, 
With a pleased, half-waking heed, 
To the sound that ran through the ancient town, — 
The shallow, brawling Tweed. 



Was it absolute truth, or a dreaming 

Which the wakeful day disowns, 
That I heard something more in the stream as it ran 

Than water breaking on stones? " 



About two hundred years ago, a branch of the Peebles family 
moved into the north of Ireland, where they took an active part with 
other Protestants against the wrangling Irish papists, and endured 
much persecution. In 1718 they formed, with others, an emigrant 
party of one hundred, crossed the ocean, and settled in Massachusetts, 
where the bigoted inhabitants gathered by night, and destroyed their 
meeting-house. After this, under the charge of Rev. Abercrombie, 
they began a settlement in the town of Pelham. Bringing from Lon- 
donderry " the necessary material for the manufacture of linen," they 
were, as the historian avers, " industrious, frugal, and peaceful." 

One of these adventurous Peebles's penetrated into Vermont, and 
" drove down his stakes" in Whitingham, Windham County, near 
the Green Mountains. Those days the girls were buxom lasses, — 
muscular, daring, hearts sound as ringing bells. Miss Nancy Brown, 
daughter of " Deacon Brown," was a towering lady, refined, hazel- 
eyed, intellectual, — "the school-mistress," dreamy as the morning 
clouds hugging the shaggy necks of the mountains. James Peebles 
was sanguine, enthusiastic, intelligent, epicurean, benevolent, popular 
with the yeomanry, being captain of the militia. What of that 
romantic courtship, on a granite rock, under the shadow of an 
ancient elm ? There the vows were plighted. 



THE SPIRITUAL PILGRIM. 17 

Id Whitingham is an old homestead on a hill-side. Babbling near 
it is a little stream from springs, away to the south, in a nook so cun- 
ning. Great-grandparents, so ancient and nervous, graced the 
wide fireside, — drooping wintry willows, silvered with snow. The 
mother, young and independent, was socially antipodal to their old 
notions. So the honey-bees in that domestic hive buzzed with an 
angular industry. It was magnetic peril to " the welcome child." Did 
not those maternal tears, redolent with high ambition, psycho- 
logically mold the unskilled heart of her pledge of love ? The thread 
of life undulates into solitudes. Is it not inwoven with trying hours, 
like a telegraph to its battery ? But the trial tempered that birdling to 
daring ere it fluttered on the mother's bosom. Poor, but laborious ; 
distressed, but resolute ; pensive, but heroic, she rose superior to her 
surroundings, and gave the world an indefatigable reformer. Sun- 
beams and stars, flowers and gurgling waters, cast the germ-child in 
the dies of beauty. She was nature's guest, — Hagar in the wilder- 
ness, lonely, religious. First the blossoming summer, then the 
quickening autumn, then the winter, white and pure, — these were 
the " sacred months," under the life-veil of destiny. Prayer, music, 
and meditation, the ancient clock, keeping vigils, were the " sis- 
ters of fate," that wove "a coat of many colors" for the future 
prophet. Thus she bound her prisoner to a checkered pilgrimage. 

James was born the 23d of March, 1822, Jupiter being the reign- 
ing star. The angels say they impressed that mother to call her son 
so, mainly because of the love the apostle John had for his brother 
James. He was the oldest of five sons and two daughters, all diverse 
in characteristics. That mother's prayer now, how like Emily 
Judson's over hers, " the fairest bird of Ind," — 

"Doubts, hopes, in eager tumult rise. 
Hear, my God! one earnest prayer: 
Room for my bird in Paradise, 
And give him angel plumage there ! " 

The gospel of childhood, a blessed rough and tumble : it whets 
the edge of character. Checkered as the landscape were those early 
years, each trivial event limning soul on the canvas of life. One of 
these may suffice to reveal the chemistry of the colors blending into 
form. 

"Jimmie" had a special liking for troughs, — one such was his 
cradle when a baby, and about his only plaything when a boy. Grow- 



18 THE SPIRITUAL PILGRIM. 

ing bigger, seeing the other boys had sleds, he at length looked upon 
his old trough with a haughty disdain, and importuned his father to 
make him a sled. That ugly No ! A sled educates to speed of 
thought, and a kite to lofty purpose. Both refused. 

One winter's afternoon, the snow-crust hard and glary, the lad 
stole the bread-trough, and took a slide. On it sped with a dash and 
whirl, and struck against a stone, splitting it in twain. What was 
to be done ? A moment of sad gazing, weighing consequences ; and 
in he rushed, eyes full of tears and heart aching, to make a confes- 
sion. A sharp crack on the ears, and the boy felt true justice was 
done. Good orthodoxy that ! An ample supply of playthings for 
children, and persuasive discipline, are economies in household furni- 
ture. 

This restless fellow did not take to muscular industry. He hated 
grindstones, axes, churns, and hoes, when imposed as tasks. Awk- 
ward in the use of tools, he could not even construct a top. "We 
can never make any thing of James," was said more than once with a 
feeling of despair. The truth was, they did not know the boy, nor 
touch the pulse of his genius. But he was famous for looking after 
young lambs. With cold bare feet at daylight in springtime, while 
the snow mantled the shaded rocks and hollows, he was off into the old 
pasture, to see if any young lamb had been chilled by the night wind. 

His ambition ran in the channel of the brooks, full of babbles 
and frolics. That wild country enchanted him. The flowers and 
birds were his companions, maple-poles his ponies, red-sticks his 
whips to drive them with, chips and leaves his sailing vessels in the 
eddying pools. He gamboled with the minnows, and owned all the 
butterflies and robins' eggs. Unwearied were the swift hours as he 
sat on his native hills, watching every thing, the stilly world at his feet. 

What was that undefinable feeling, that mystic consciousness, that 
genius attending him in all his rambles, which seemed to be a face- 
image in the water-brooks and flames of fire, — a face bending benig- 
nantly over him when locked in slumber on his rickety bed in the 
attic, close under the roof ? 

" While yet a boy I sought for ghosts, and sped 

Through many a listening chamber, cave, and ruin, 
And star-lit wood, with fearful steps pursuing, 
High hopes of talk with the departed dead." 



CHAPTER II. 



SCHOOL DAYS. 



" I consider a human soul without education like marble in the quarry; which shows none 
of its inherent beauties until the skill of the polisher fetches out the colors, makes the surface 
shine, and discovers. every ornamental cloud, spot, and vein that runs through the body 
of it."— Addison. 



That red schoolhouse, just a mile off, " round by the pond," 
shingled all over, — what a tale it tells of " lads and lasses O ! " — of 
snow-balls, poutings, whippings, and " turning somersets ! " How 
changed now ! The saplings around it are tall trees ; the incisions 
in the bark where the scholars carved their names have grown over, 
but the marks are there. How like human life ! The wounds we 
make only partially heal! Even the brook where the boys and girls 
drank and fished, and built dams and saw-mills, once quite a river 
in their eyes, has become beautifully less. In the soul's picture- 
gallery is the portrait of all the boys and girls we knew ; of all the 
hills, streams, fields, beasts, birds ; of dewy eves and morns ; of 
the stars we chose to rule our destiny ; of first dreams, and first les- 
sons of friendship. 

A child never loves duties. "When the genius of children is better 
understood, and we employ the love-art of the mother-bird, that, by 
example, woos her fledgling up into the sky, whippings will be at an 
end. " Jimmie's tricks," so innocent, so tormenting, were full of 
morality. They made the school healthy. When five or six years 
old, his uncle, Dr. Peebles, taught with ferule in hand, a birch-stick 
on the desk ! Almost every day he got a flogging for his pranks : 
every mishap charged against him. He bore it like a Christian mar- 
tyr, however, never exposing a secret, unconquerable in his submis- 

19 



20 THE SPIRITUAL PILGRIM. 

sion. The fighting boys appealed to him for umpire. He was the 
defender of the weaker party always. 

"I help the under dog in the fight." 

Being an inveterate stutterer, he could not, or would not, read 
loud. His temper was kept sharp by the grinding taunts of the " big 
boys," ever laughing at his awkward articulation. In righteous in- 
dignation, he wished a hundred times there were never a school in 
the world. Justly did he hate the hard-backed bench, so high that 
his feet hung dangling for hours without rest. Glad we do not have 
to live but once those flogging, aching, rambling days of auld lang 
syne. 

The next summer, Elizabeth Godfrey taught. One day, she sent 
him with a little tin pail after some water. The path led by Azuba 
Martin's garden (mother of Dr. O. Martin, a prominent physician of 
Worcester, Mass.). As he peeped through the fence, his palate 
could not resist the delicious currants, then red ripe. That little 
hand again and again plucked the " forbidden fruit " — the first Adam- 
ic sin ! In vain did he try to wash off the stains that betrayed him. 
Oh, the agony ! Entering the schoolhouse, he demurely went to his 
seat ; when the teacher, noticing his embarrassment, called him up. 

"What is the matter with your hand, Jimmie? " 

" Nothing, ma'am ; not sore ! " 

"What! currant juice! Been stealing? Now, you go right 
straight to ' Aunt Zuba,' and confess you stole her currants ! " . 

Exposed before the whole school as a " little thief," what a 
trying moment ! Snail-like, he dragged his heavy feet back to Mrs. 
Martin's, just the most humble and self-blaming lad, part mad,- 
much ashamed, half-crying. Aunt Zuba caught sight of him, as he 
entered the gate, and, greeting him with a smile, seeing his sadness, 
said very patronly, — 

" What, my little man, come after more water a-ready ? " 

" S-s-sch-school-ma'am t-t-old me t-to come, and-and tell, you I- 
I-I-st-stole your currants ; and I-I-am sor-s-sor— sorry ! " 

" Why ! come here, my darling. Were you hungry? We have of 
currants plenty to eat. You should not steal, dear boy ; but, when 
you want any more, come and ask me, and you shall have all you 
wish." 



SCHOOL-DAYS. 21 

Then she patted him tenderly on the cheek, and laid her hand upon 
his fevered brow so soothingly ! The good aunt understood a boy's 
heart. A faithful teacher's promptness in correcting the first mistake, 
and a loving motherly sympathy from Aunt Zuba, impressed at the 
right moment, gave a moral direction to his restless and persistent 
spirit, — not to stain the hands with stolen juices, and always confess- 
a fault where it is due. Both these good women, in the higher 
school of angels now, delight to recall the incident that channeled the 
little rill of love, swelling since to a river of integrity. 

Reason tests the strength of thought. " Jimmie's " mental pow- 
ers were one day taxed to their utmost tension at a new idea, that 
made him reticent for many weeks. His father's sister, Aunt Sally 
Corkings, getting old, suddenly passed away. It was winter time; 
snow deep. They put the coffin on a stone-boat, and dragged it with 
oxen to the grave ; the white mantle of nature and the black drapery 
of the mourners forming a strange contrast, weirdly impressive to 
the lad. 

"What did they put her in the ground for?" he silently asked. 
After the dismal funeral, he soberly went to his mother — always his 
oracle — with the inquiry, — 

" Will Aunt Sally sprout again, like corn and beans?" 

" Her body, my son, will come to life again at. the resurrection, in 
the end of time." 

" Well, what makes 'em put her in a coffin ? She can't get out ! " 

" The coffin will rot away, my son." 

" And not the body rot, mother? Won't something then eat Aunt 
Sally up, and she won't live again ? " 

The mother did not anticipate such an argument, and could only 
answer in the usual orthodox way, — 

" Oh, well, my son, these are God's mysteries ! we must not ask 
too many questions." 

The next spring, there was a " revival of religion " in Whitingham, 
and " Aunt Betsey" was converted. Whilst witnessing her baptism, 
James clung to his mother, and, in a trembling voice, asked, — ■ 

" What are they doing with Aunt Betsey, drowning her?" 

" She is to be saved, my son." 

" Saved? — what is that, mother?" 

She then told him about a dismal hell below, and a beautiful heaven 
above. 



22 THE SPIRITUAL PILGRIM. 

" What did God make a hell for, mother? " 

Finding his mother evaded this question, he inquired again, — 

" Have you been baptized ? " 

It was his turn to be silent, when she answered in the negative. 
Thinking she should attend to this duty as soon as possible, he won- 
dered what the difference could be between being baptized and " going 
in swimming." 

A few days after, seeing he was thoughtful, and believing he might 
be under " conviction," she pursued her advantage, and told him 
about a " recording book kept by a sober angel." This hightened 
his ideal fancy. " How much," he said to himself, " he will have to 
write about me / " He thought the book had gold covers, and was big 
as a window. He very orthodoxically conceived God to be a great 
man, with a long beard, just like the picture of a prophet he saw in 
the old family Bible. When told about the " all-seeing eye," he 
imagined it was in the center of God's forehead, looking straight at 
him. When he pouted, or played the truant (very innocently), that 
night he dreamed God said to the angel of records, " Put all that down 
against the boy ! " These instilled ideas, bodied forth in correspond- 
ing fancy, tinged his first years with a shade of melancholy. " Theo- 
logical mysteries " produce spiritual fevers. 

How dreamily prophetic were the successive sabbaths, when this 
youth walked beside his mother to church, holding her by the hand, 
inquiring what it all meant. B. F. Taylor paints the picture of those 
" meeting-times," — 

" For a sprig of green carroway carries me there, 
To the old village church and the old village choir; 
"When, clear of the floor, my feet slowly swung, 
And timed the sweet praise of the song as they sung, 
Till the glory aslant from the afternoon sun 
Seemed the rafters of gold in God's temple begun. 
You may smile at the nasals of old Deacon Brown, 
Who followed by scent till he ran the tune down ; 
And the dear Sister Green, with more goodness than grace, 
Rose and fell on the tunes as she stood in her place; 
And, where old 'Coronation' exultingly flows, 
Tried to reach the high notes on the tips of her toes. 
To the land of the leal they went with their song, 
Where the choir and the chorus together belong. 
Oh, be lifted, ye gates ! let me hear them again ! 
Blessed song! blessed sabbath! for -ever, amen! " 



SCHOOL-DAYS. 23 

Narrow valleys contract the mind. Room, room, is what we need. 
Seized with a u Western fever," the Peebles Family moved to Smith- 
ville, N.Y., then " the West." Here new hardships presented them- 
selves. Under the tuition of Prof. Hurlburt, he was cured of stam- 
mering. What a joy ! He used to put a pebble under the point of 
his tongue to keep it down, and not flopping up against the roof of the 
mouth. 

Exuberant over his stammering victory, — scarcely knowing, like a 
minnow just finned out, what to do with himself, — he thought he 
would fall in love with a pretty damsel ; at the age of thirteen, writ- 
ing love-sick poetry ! After sending the palpitating verses to the 
bashful girl, who, it seems, was " going to sea," the psychological 
effusion suddenly vanished. The animus of the poetry indicates at 
this age the musical genius of the man : so we snatch it from oblivion. 
The first poetry and first little shoe should always be preserved. 

" When the storm-god wildly rages, 
And the foaming billows roar; 
When thou art far away, my lady, 
I'll think of thee the more. 

Often friends in life deceive us, 

Till we know not whom to trust; 
But the links of love that bind us, 

Oh ! may they never, never rust ! 

Though oceans may between us roll, 

Still will fancy love to trace, 
In thy true, devoted soul, 

Ever thy remembered face. 

I'll think of thee when evening's ray 

Is gleaming o'er the sea; 
When gentle twilight's shadows play 

On mountain, vale, and tree." 

At Smithville, James attended a select school, taught by Amos H. 
Bedient, making rapid progress in geography, elocution, and roguery. 
Proud of his proficiency, he resolved to return to Vermont in the 
spring, to make money by teaching elocution ! Suddenly appearing 
in Whitingham, it did cause a wonderful expansion of self-reliance — 
such as he needed — to hear familiar friends congratulate him on his 
" lingual improvement." But his " elocutionary fortune," — that was 
verily " a will-o'-the-wisp." Above all expenses, he earned just fif- 



24 THE SPIRITUAL PILGRIM. 

teen dollars. The disposal of these hard earnings is the sure index 
of his sweet sympathies, running then quite at random, as do moun- 
tain streams, to bless the jagged fern. Meeting a poor, unfortunate 
traveler one day, lame and sorrowful, his heart was touched ; and he 
impulsively emptied the whole fifteen into the beggar's grateful hand, 
saying, " I am even now better off than he, the poor lame man ! " Here 
is the key-note to his nature, — sympathetic ; sometimes imprudent in 
giving. No money, no home, hungry and weary, he sat by the road- 
side, and ate a raw turnip for a supper, the tears flowing freely. Pov- 
erty stared him in the face, and haunted him a full year. His clothes 
were threadbare, his health below par. Poor fellow ! he wished him- 
self dead. 



CHAPTER III. 

GETTING RELIGION — THE MINISTRY. 

To the Monkeys : 
" Tell me, accursed whelps, what are ye stirring up with the porridge ?" 

Monkeys i 
" We are cooking coarse beggars' broth." — Goethe's Faust. 

" Eyes are found in light; ears in auricular air; feet on land; fins in water; wings in air; 
and each creature where it is wont to be, with a mutual fitness." — Emerson. 

Misfortunes in Vermont taught James to go ahead, not back- 
wards. Wiser for the sorrows, he returned to New York a little 
tamed. Placing himself again under the tuition of Prof. Bedient, he 
soon won a high recommendation. He was now seventeen ; and with 
bright hopes did he enter upon the experiment of teaching a district 
school in Pitcher, Chenango Co., N.Y., and was successful. He 
boarded at the home of a Baptist deacon, who had some very bad 
children. One morning, whilst the old man was praying with his 
usual fervor, a boy of his made confusion with his feet, chuckling at 
the same time. The deacon paused, and, getting roiled at the repeated 
noise, sprung up from his knees with a flushed face, and shook the 
" young sauce-box," accompanied with a desperate threat ; then 
knelt down again, and commencing at the " Jews," where he left off, 
finished the prayer, his son groaning " Amen ! " This strange exhi- 
bition at a "family altar" repelled the young teacher from religious 
ceremonials. 

About this time, a " revival " breaking out near Mr. Cole's, in 
Smithville, Jerry Brown, a particular friend, got religion. Others 
u got it bad." Being the only person who could specially affect " the 
teacher," Mr. Brown talked with him most pleadingly, warning him 
to " flee from the wrath to come." At length, he consented to go to 

25 



26 THE SPIRITUAL PILGRIM. 

meeting. The young converts gathered round him with serious 
looks and affectionate interrogations, such as, " Will yon, James, 
will you not go to heaven with us? Oh, come and kneel at the 
anxious seats ! Oh, seek the overtures of mercy ! " The meek-eyed 
girls besieged him, put their arms around his neck, pleading with 
him so eloquently to get religion ! How could he resist such persua- 
sion ? Consenting to make the trial-effort, he took a seat at the front, 
right under the droppings of the sanctuary. The prayer was furious- 
ly impassioned. The magnetic fire began to burn : " And the smoke 
of their torment ascendeth up for ever and ever ! " The pictures 
drawn from this text were frightful : hell was opened, the devil 
let loose, the judgment set, the Almighty frowned, the dread sen- 
tence thundered forth, "Depart, ye cursed, into everlasting fire!" 
The scene that followed was terrible : eyes stuck out, hair stood on 
end, women half-swooned, and men groaned. This part of the job 
finished, Elder Bush descended from the pulpit with a consequential 
air, and laid his fat hand upon James's shoulder, saying with a solemn 
intonation, as if from the vault of despair, " Young man ! young 
man ! are you prepared for death ? " The new converts pressed 
closer, girls holding his hand, weeping. The magnetic sympathy 
was contagious. The young man wept too. When the " feeling felt 
bad," the minister sepulchrally exhorted, — 

" Oh, say you believe in Jesus ; just say it. Oh, say it, say 
it!" 

" Why, yes," replied James, " I believe in Jesus ! " 

"Yes, yes!" shouted the Elder. "Glory, glory ! let us shout 
glory ! for another soul is saved ! glory, hallelujah ! " 

The rest laughed for joy ; and there was a general hugging-time. 

Snuffing the freer air out of doors, the " holy feeling " began to 
subside, and speedily died out ; for the Elder suddenly left his own 
wife and children, and ran away with his hired girl, when religion 
there went down to a low ebb. James reflected. It was a lesson. 
He doubted the sincerity of the clergy, became skeptical, entered 
deeper and deeper into mental darkness, — a confirmed infidel, 
regarding all religion as priestly imposture. To indicate his utter 
disgust against the popular church and " its mock worship," as he 
called it, he one evening secretly put cayenne-pepper on the hot stove, 
and smoked the people out, when they assembled for another revival. 
The choking fumes ventilated, he took his seat with the rest, so self- 



GETTING RELIGION. — THE MINISTRY. 27 

complacent, when the minister poured forth vengeance upon the head 
of the perpetrator, and made hell so hellish the house became a gen- 
eral pandemonium. 

Re-action from " revivals of religion " is always to skepticism, 
scorn, defiance. Said the wise Hindoo, " Keep thy soul in modera- 
tion ; teach thy spirit to be attentive to its good : so shall these, its 
ministers, be always to thee conveyances of truth." 

One winter, where young Peebles was teaching school, notice was 
given that Rev. N. Doolittle (Universalist) would preach in that 
locality the next Sunday. If interest be wanting, curiosity may 
bring us. Always defending the persecuted party, he resolved to at- 
tend. When Mr. Doolittle rose to speak, our " infidel " noticed a 
beautiful sincerity in his countenance, which charmed him to strict 
attention. The text was, "The Lord is good unto all, and his ten- 
der mercies are over all his works." The delivery was easy, the 
style poetic, the inspiration fervent. The purpose was to show the 
harmony of the God of nature with the God of the Bible, when inter- 
preted in the light of reason. It made a happy impression : a ray 
penetrated the inner darkness ; a more charitable spirit sprung up in 
his heart. He read the Bible with candor ; read " Ballou on the 
Atonement," and other Universalist works, and, within a year, be- 
came a convert to the " new faith." Attending conventions, then so 
inspirational, he thought what delight he would take in demolishing 
old dogmas of error. On one occasion, the good Mr. Doolittle, as if 
moved by an angel, left the desk, came direct to this youth in his 
seat, and, taking him by the hand, looking deep into his soul, said, 
" You have a fine forehead : you should make your mark in the 
world." What did it mean ? Was it an angelic appointment? 

"Each one hears what he carries in his heart." 

Trace back the life-thread that mother wove from angels to her 
heart, from her heart outward, veiling a soul for mediumship between 
heaven and earth. Is not effect always true to its cause ? 

" Let us build altars to the Beautiful Necessity." 

Ambition, once so fluctuating and disappointing, now burned with 
steady fire. Scholarship was James's first aim. Teaching a high 
school at Upper Lisle, N.Y., he was flushed with brighter hope. 



28 THE SPIRITUAL PILGRIM. 

The cloud of skepticism shivered into " silver linings." For several 
successive spring, summer, and fall terms, he was a close student at 
Oxford Academy, New York. By close application to books, while 
yet teaching, he kept along with his classmates who were not com- 
pelled to provide for their own physical needs. Here he studied the 
higher English branches, Latin and Greek. Charmed with the 
classics, the poetic prophecy whispered in his ear, " Thou shalt visit 
those lands of heroism and art." 

" The foresight that awaits 
Is the same genius that creates." 

He was a constant attendant upon the ministrations of Rev. J. T. 
Goodrich', pastor of the Oxford Universalist Church. When his 
parents also found the rising star of Universalism, enthusiasm lent 
him wings. A walk of ten or fifteen miles to a conference or con- 
vention was a delight. Fast young men derided him ; for he would 
not drink, smoke, nor spend his time . idly. Where now are those 
" Young Americas?" Dissipation impoverished them ; the few left 
linger in obscurity ; whilst the " student James," frailer in constitu- 
tion, is still on the rising scale. Our inspired Belle Bush foretells 
the harvest : — 

" Sow ye on earth the blessed seeds, 
That, springing up and whitening in the field, 

A hundred-fold shall yield 

Of fruits for human needs ; 
And men will bless you for those golden seeds, 
And angels call you poet of good deeds." 

About this time, he had occasion to act the lawyer. During a revi- 
val at Morrill's Creek, under the manipulation of Rev. Mr. Jamieson, 
two lads were arrested for disturbing the meeting. Disgusted with 
such proselyting, sympathizing with the boys, he voluntarily plead 
their cause in court. " They are orphans," earnestly said the fervid 
defender, " deprived of parental counsel ; thoughtless, rather than 
malicious ; their first offense. Justice may condemn, but mercy and 
forgiveness are more beautiful ; for we are commanded to ' forgive 
even seventy times seven ' to save a brother." 

It was splendidly done. After reprimanding, the Justice dismissed 
the boys, whose gratitude to the young attorney knew no bounds. 



GETTING RELIGION. — THE MINISTRY. 29 

In the summer of 1842, J. H. Harter, modest and verdant, came 
to the Academy. Poorly dressed, and Germanic in accent, certain 
students made fun of him ; but he excited James's sympathy, which 
he showed in acts of encouragement. He persuaded this devoted 
student to attend a Universalist meeting, Bible in hand, to guard 
against temptation, and afterwards managed to provoke him into a 
debate defensive of Universalism, on the question of endless misery. 
By his side sat his schoolmate, whispering now and then in his ear 
what Drs. Clarke, Gill, and other doctors of divinity said upon this 
and that hell-fire passage. 

As might be expected, it was a commitment to Universalism. James, 
now entitled to the appellation of Mister, was instrumental in con- 
verting him. Their friendship was deep. As he says, " they 
roomed together, studied together, slept together, prayed together, 
wept together, worked together in reforms." Revs. J. B. Gilman 
and J. J. Austin were associate students at Oxford during these 
terms of studious romance. Young Harter afterwards attended the 
Clinton Liberal Institute, and finally entered the Universalist minis- 
try, serving with marked ability. Never the breath of slander 
touched his garments. His ready wit made him a prince in the social 
circle. After several years of successful labors in the ministry, he 
was called to take charge of the business department of the " Chris- 
tian Ambassador," as general agent. Since 1850, having manfully 
investigated the Spiritual Philosophy, his sermons have been well- 
spiced with the gospel of angel ministry, for which he has been 
questioned by his sect, and, as he avers and others know, u perse- 
cuted nigh unto death for his readiness in exposing ecclesiastic cor- 
ruption." He is now free, having resigned his letter of fellowship, 
and steps forth a well-skilled officer in the army of Spiritual Re- 
formers. 

Writing Mr. Harter concerning those school-days, we received the 
following affectional testimonial of early and lasting friendship : — 

" Auburn, N.Y., April 8, 1870. 

" J. 0. Barrett. Dear Brother, — I first made the acquaintance of Mr. Peebles in 
the summer of 1842, when we were both students in the Oxford Academy at Oxford, 
Chenango Co., N.Y. 

" We soon became warm friends, and have been so from that time to the present, and, 
without doubt, will so remain throughout the endless ages of eternity. During an inti- 
mate acquaintance of nearly thirty years, has never any thing arisen to darken or stain 
the bright chain of friendship that has bound us together. We have both passed through 



SO THE SPIRITUAL PILGRIM. 

bitter and severe trials, but have been mutual aids to each other. He is one of the most 
genial, companionable men I ever knew ; strictly honest and upright ; and, to be fully 
appreciated, he is to be fully known. 

" He was popular as a man and a minister, when among the Universalists, as our 
papers and periodicals abundantly show. I hope he may long remain on earth to bene- 
fit and bless mankind. Yours truly, 

J. H. Haeter." 

Christmas eve — laden with its happy memories, all faces smiling, 
all hearts speaking "merry Christmas" — was the auspicious 
hour of Mr. Peebles's secret thought that had haunted him in dreams 
and reveries. The church in Oxford was beautifully adorned with 
evergreens and burning tapers, the congregation' large and intelligent. 
Pale from a momentary agitation, Mr. Goodrich read with a subdued 
voice the inspirational testimony of the prophet, so appropriate, — 
" Who hath believed our report? " It was not the minister, nor the 
prophet, nor the occasion, that so peculiarly stirred him, but the 
rising thought, finding echo in all these, of a commission to proclaim 
the gospel. " Who hath believed our report?" sounded in his ears 
as an appeal from Heaven. Responsive to the question, a lady in the 
gallery, playing upon the organ, sung with inspiring acclaim, — 

" There was joy in heaven ! 
There was joy in heaven ! " 

It thrilled him through and through. The whole house seemed a 
Bethlehem of ministering angels. He saw a more golden light than 
others present. Then and there he resolved to consecrate himself to 
the TJniversalist ministry. His purpose fixed, he began his theologi- 
cal studies with Rev. A. G-. Clark of McLean, N.Y., and subse- 
quently read with Rev. A. O. Warren, now of Montrose, Pa. 

Our anointed candidate was a perfect eye-sore to " revivalists." 
He attended their worship, speaking, praying ; always obeying, " Sit 
down, sir," when too unorthodox. One day, on the Chenango River, 
he visited E. H. Tillotson, an old acquaintance, a convert now from 
Universalism to Spiritualism ; and, of course, they must that night 
attend the Baptist revival. Long cloaks were the fashion those days. 
A dismal prayer, a nasal melody, singing — 

" A charge to keep I have," 

and the spell of revivalism crept on, forcing tears, surging, sighing. 



GETTING RELIGION. — THE MINISTRY. 31 

The minister became hoarse, and invited any exhorter or clergyman 
to come forward and assist. 

" That means me," said Peebles in a whisper to Tillotson ; and 
up he rose with such a dignity, marched straight to the desk, and fell 
upon his knees and prayed. He walked the aisles, put his hands on 
the heads of the young converts, exhorting and encouraging them to 
persevere. There was a general weeping. He sat down amid 
" hallelujahs," the minister thanking him for his " effective work." 
What a commotion, most blasting to the " revival," when it was 
afterwards reported that " the young preacher is a Universalist 
student at Oxford ! " 

The ministry, oh, the ministry ! Were you ever in its ark of 
safety, locked iu, chained, sentineled, pampered, starved, loved, slan- 
dered, flattered, rebuked, tempted, betrayed, prayed in and prayed 
out, proud of the " Rev.," ashamed of it, dying and living, blessed 
in blessing? The ministry ! how grandly perspective — how real — 
how deep a prison — how great a freedom when the spell is broken ! 
" Not as I will, but as thou wilt," — that's the order. 

Rev. James Martin Peebles — euphonious ! Only twenty years old, 
tall, slim, light hair, red cheeks, pretty in the eyes of the young 
maidens, white cravat, and black kid gloves ! Thus equipped and 
qualified, he walked seven miles to a meeting in Gridley Hollow, and 
on the way got his boots muddy. It was so mortifying to his cleri- 
cal dignity ! He preached his first sermon in McLean, N.Y., in the 
presence of his theological tutor. That was a trying moment ; but, 
having his manuscript before him, he " did not lose his place." It 
was a success, as the sequel proved, for he was afterwards pastor of 
McLean Church five successive years. His first permanent settle- 
ment was at Kellogsville, N.Y., for three years. He then had charge 
also of tw r o other societies at Genoa and Mottville, engaging Rev. 
Harter and others to supply desks. 

Whatever Mr. Peebles undertakes, it is always with enthusiastic 
zeal. His was an u earnest ministry." A stray leaf from his diary, 
like the hazel in the hands of the " water-witch," shows where and 
how deep the fountain is. ' He sought to improve every possible ad- 
vantage, to be first in his profession, without jealousy for others. Note 

the little jets of earnestness : — 

" Tuesday, May 25, 1849. 
" Started about eight o'clock for Scipio. Had a pleasant ride ; reached there about eleven 
o'clock. Put up with Bro. Hudson, a noble, good soul. 



32 THE SPIRITUAL PILGRIM. 

" Had a fine session of tbe sabbath school this afternoon. Bro. O. A. Skinner and J. M. 
Austin's remarks were excellent. Bro. Sawyer preached this evening, and a glorious ser- 
mon it was, — plain, logical, yet eloquent. His delivery is calm — sang-froid — yet impres- 
sive. Staid with Malachi Fish, one of Ood's best specimens of humanity. 

"Wednesday, May 26, 1849. 
" A fine morning, with Malachi Fish. Bro. O. A. Skinner preached this morning an ex- 
cellent discourse. I admire his fervidness. It seems to come from the heart. Bro. L. S. 
Everett preached this afternoon; a good sermon. Oh, how many warm hands I have 
grasped this day ! Confident I am that few love their friends as I love mine. Bro. Skinner 
preached this evening. He is a splendid speaker and a good man. There is rich music in his 
voice. "Went home with Selah Cornell. He is a glorious soul." 

Being a man of fashion then, — biblical, creedal, " constitutional," — 
he must, of course, be ordained in the best style. Put on the " yoke 
of bondage ! " Must we not ask the pope or bishop ? Ordination in 
ecclesiastic circles ! Alas for the " salt that has lost its savor ! " 
Mr. Peebles received his " Letter of Fellowship " at a session of the 
Cayuga Association of Universalists, held at McLean, on the 25th 
and 26th of September, 1844. For several years thereafter, he was 
standing Clerk of the Association. On the 24th of September, 1846, 
in Kellogsville, he was ordained to the " work of an Evangelist." 
The following was the order of services : — 

" I. Prayer by Rev. J. H. Harter. 

n. Sermon by Rev. J. M. Austin. 

HE. Ordaining Prayer by Rev. C. S. Brown. 

IV. Charge and Delivery of Scriptures by Rev. D. H. Strickland. 

V. Address to the Church by Rev. J. M. Peebles. 

VI. Benediction by the Candidate." 



CHAPTER IV. 

THE SPIRITS — RADICAL PREACHING. 

" The spirit world is not closed; thy sense is shut; thy heart is dead. Up, acolyte ! bathe 
untired thy earthly breast in the morning red ! " — Sage. 

" Hark I for a voice of gentle tone 
The answer to our cry hath given, 
Soft as iEolian harpstrings blown, 
Responsive to the breath of even : 
' I have not sought a distant shore ; 
Lo ! I am with you : weep no more I » " — Lizzie Doten., 

The " rappings " ! come without our bidding ; come to stay. A 
divine revelation, it is founded in natural law ; and those who fight 
it, fight all tangible knowledge of immortality, fight all natural an- 
swers to prayer, fight their loved in heaven, fight spirits, angels, and 
the Almighty himself ! It is a fearful battle. Priests had better at 
once ground their weapons of rebellion. The church was heart-sick, 
eaten with a dry rot. Skepticism was sitting in the seat of judg- 
ment, ecclesiastical religion begging at her high court. Creeds, ser- 
mons, eucharists, baptisms, no longer furnished food for the thinkers. 
The light on the church altars had gone out; A dark silence brooded 
there. It was midnight. But a tide was setting in from the other 
side. The seers saw it coming. At length it touched our shore — 
electric ! " What was that ? " asked the thinkers. The mystic rap ! 
It echoed over the land, and " there was joy in heaven." Two de- 
cades ago, it startled the world from its long slumber. What of the 
ministers ? They laughed at it. What of the philosophers ? They 
affirmed, Man is immortal. The rap shivered and burst into sun- 
light of day, and millions were entranced. Then the church was 
sober, gathered up its phylacteries, walked on silver slippers to wor- 
ship God, crying out, " It is the devil ! " Shot from a transfiguring 
cloud, Truth rent the vail of the church from top to bottom. Lo ! a 



34 THE SPIRITUAL PILGRIM. 

shower fell ; a river full, " clear as crystal." A refreshed world ! 
" Ho ! every one that thirsteth, come ye to the waters ! " 

Continued imbibation at the denominational tap inebriates the soul. 
Was this Mr. Peebles's condition? Like many " Liberal Christians" 
to-day, he was very emphatic about his independence ; said so often, 
" I am open to conviction," but failed somehow in finding the way. 
The. fact is, he did not investigate, "for fear of the Jews." So 
"/ree" in the pulpit, so prudent in word and action, ministers are 
generally the last to be converted. " Publicans and harlots shall 
enter the kingdom of heaven before you." 

During the last year of his pastorate in Kellogsville, Mr. Peebles 
was invited by Hon. Vincent Kenyon, a Universalist of Quaker de- 
scent, spiritually inclined, to ride with him to Auburn, and hear the 
spirit rappings. He consented, with the reserve, " that the appoint- 
ment be fixed for some evening." Nicodemus ! The medium was 
Mrs. Tamlin. The raps heard, he whispered to his friend, " A splen- 
did trick ! " " Suppose you expose it," responded Mr. Kenyon. 
" Please rap on the wall," said Mr. Peebles. To his astonishment, 
the wall seemed to speak. On his coat collar, on his boots, on his 
heart-strings! "What?" he asked. That what meant a great 
question. When his spirit-cousin gave thus an intelligible communi- 
cation, he attributed it to thought-reading. Well, thought-reading is 

" The end of a golden string; 
Only wind it into a ball, 
It will lead you in at heaven's gate, 
That invitingly opes for all." 

After this, Rhoda Fuller, honest and intelligent, became clairvoy- 
ant, giving remarkable tests of spirit-presence. In due time he heard 
an uneducated boy deliver a masterly lecture, entranced, upon a sub- 
ject of his own selection, — "The Philosophical Influence of the 
Nations of Antiquity upon the Civilization and Science of Modern 
Europe and America." Reporting it, he said, — 

" The boy at once stepped forward and commenced, and for one hour and three- 
quarters one continual stream of history and philosophy fell from his lips. The beauty 
of the language was astonishing, and the names of well-known and little-known sages of 
antiquity fell glibly from his lips. He began by speaking of the old Aryan race, and 
spoke as if he had the whole history of India, Egypt, Greece, and Rome at his fingers' 
ends. I knew the work necessary to get up sermons before they are preached, and 
was perfectly astonished at the address given by the boy. I went home thinking that 
there must be some power at the root of Spiritualism." 



RADICAL PREACHING. 35 

Stirred by these discoveries, he ventured to preach a sermon in his 
church from the text, " Go on unto perfection ; " in which he alluded 
to angels, and the spiritual gifts, as perpetual in inspiration. Mr. 
Kenyon, hearing it, said to him afterwards, " Our denomination will 
not stand such sentiment : you will have to leave it. You can fight 
but poorly in Saul's armor ; better cast it off." This advice was 
startling to our young minister. 

" The crust o' the letter cracks; new life takes wing; 
A strong ground-swell will heave, a wave will break; 
The Eternal grows more visibly awake! " 

The eastern star before the morning, the Baptist before Jesus, 
superstition before science ; so radical thinking before spiritual devel- 
opment. Too much light all at once will dazzle us to blindness. 
Liberty may be driven to death. The greatest virtue is to be quali- 
fied for practical use. Be not in haste for angelhood. Excess is 
equal to the vice of defect. Break not the shell ere the bird is 
hatched. 

" Those who greedily pursue 

Things wonderful instead of true, 
That in their speculation choose 

To make discoveries strange news, 
And natural history a gazette 

Of tales stupendous and far-fetched, 
Hold no truth worthy to be known, 
That is not huge and overgrown, 
In vain stem nature to suborn, 

And for their pains are paid with scorn." 

Those " spiritual exhibitions " unconsciously gave Mr. Peebles a 
radical tendency of sentiment. " Despise not small beginnings." Mr. 
Peebles read Volney, Hume, Voltaire, Paine — how audacious ! — and 
Swedenborg, Emerson, Parker, and the like ; and was spoiled for 
the sectarian Church. What was the cause of the new habit, — the 
argument first, and then the text ? Bravo ! When a minister puts 
the text on a sermon after it is written, " look out for breakers." 

During the years 1853-55, Mr. Peebles was pastor of the Univer- 
salist Church at Elmira, N.Y., where he found a boon companion in 
Rev. Thos. K. Beecher, half-brother of Henry Ward Beecher. Here 
were a Universalist and a Congregationalist yoked together, bathing 
together, lecturing together on temperance, and even together marrying 



36 THE SPIRITUAL PILGRIM. 

folks ; Peebles 'marrying one of the couple according to Universalism, 
and Mr. Beecher according to Congregationalism. A clipping from 
an exchange says, — 

" Rev. Thomas K. Beecher, one of the Beechers, who is pastor of a Congregational 
Church at Elmira, N.Y., has been disfellowshiped by the Ministerial Union of that 
place." 

Mr. Peebles, in chronicling this disfellowshiped brother, thus 
reviews those novitiated days of the ministry : — 

"Being warm personal friends, both of us were considered by the denominations to 
which we respectively belonged a little ' shaky,' theologically. Brave enough to read 
different periodicals and reviews, we frequently talked of the progress of ; free thought, ' 
and the disturbing element of Spiritualism. Friend Beecher always said there was ' a 
Jish at the other end of this line ; ' but of its real character — saint or demon — he was not 
so certain. 

" Pleasant and sunny the memories of those times- Together we rolled balls in ninepin 
alleys, practiced gymnastics, took baths in Dr. Gleason's water-cure, hurled stones into 
the valley at our feet, told mirthful stories of eccentric Christians, lectured on temper- 
ance, attended social gatherings for conversation and culture, and mutually, laughingly, 
accused each other of being the rankest heretic. A dozen years or more buried in the 
abyssmal past, and lo! we are both outside the 'camp of the Philistines,' and the reach, 
too, of all such theologians as feed on the crusts and crumbs of a cold, formal, creedal 
Christianity. Over this chasm of time, we extend the warm right hand, and welcome 
our old friend Thomas K. into the good and growing fraternity of the l great unchurched.' 
May his shadow lengthen, and his heresy strengthen ! Amen. 

" ' Humanity sweeps onward ! where to-day the martyr stands, 
On the morrow crouches Judas, with the silver in his hands: 
Far in front the cross stands ready, and the crackling fragments bum, 
While the hooting mob of yesterday in silent awe return, 
To glean up the scattered ashes into History's golden urn. 



Truth for ever on the scaffold, wrong for ever on the throne ; 
Yet that scaffold sways the future, and behind the dim unknown 
Standeth God in the darkness keeping watch above his own." 

" Illustrative of Mr. Beecher' s style, when a fellow-boarder with us at the Elmira Wa- 
ter-Cure Institution, the following may serve as a sample: Sitting in the parlor one even- 
ing, some thirty present, listening to music, Beecher suddenly whirled around, and, put- 
ting his eagle eye upon us, said in his own felicitous way, ' I've got an idea — must fire 
it off.' 

" ' Well, if liable to rust from keeping, let us have it.' 

" You, a heretic, speaking after the manner of the fathers, have traveled all over the 
hills and through the valleys of Chemung County, preaching there's no hell — no hell — 
no endless hell torments ! And I've been around after you, preaching hell and damna- 
tion—hell and damnation! Now, we've both gone to extremes. You preach hell — or 



RADICAL PREACHING. 37 

at least a little more hell — to those Universalists — they need it; and I'll not preach 
quite so much to my church, and I think we'll both hit nearer the truth.' 

" ' Wouldn't you call that policy ? ' 

" ' Certainly not ; but wisdom, — that wisdom which appreciates both justice and love 
in the divine administration.' " 

The brief epistle we here transcribe reveals the expanding force 

of " our minister's " soul, from loving one to loving all. u Thus in 

our first years," says Emerson, " are we put in training for a love 

which knows neither sex, person, nor partiality ; but which seeks 

virtue and wisdom everywhere, to the end of increasing virtue and 

wisdom." 

" Elmira, N.Y., Jan. 7, 1853. 

" Rev. D. S. B . Dear Brother, — ... Will you now lay aside your commentaries 

and clerical duties for a few moments, and listen to me ? I have been writing upon a ser- 
mon from this text, " Verily, I say unto you, there is no man that hath left house, or breth- 
ren, or sisters, or father, or mother, or wife, or children, or lands, for my sake and the 
gospel's, but shall receive a hundred-fold now in this time, and in the world to come eternal 
life" (Mark x). What was Jesus' real meaning in this passage? It quite puzzles 
me. Like the young man who had ' kept the law,' I am ' sad at the saying : ' for I love 
my brothers and sisters : there are six of them, — Emery and Elmer (twins), Leonard and 
Lorenzo, Lovira and Luana, — all good, though in different ways and degrees ; and in 
my very heart I love them with a true fraternal love. Must I, as Jesus commands, leave 
them ? Memories of them are blissful. Are all fleshly ties of kindred temporal and 
fading ? Is spiritual love alone immortal and eternal ? Love is the very life of my 
soul. ... J. M. Peebles." 

During all his public career, Mr. Peebles has been an earnest and 
unflinching friend and apostle of temperance. He was one of the 
select committee that drafted the degrees of the Good Templars, 
and was the National E-. W. Grand Chaplain of this order. At an 
early period he also espoused the anti-slavery reform, Odd Fellow- 
ship, the dress-reform, and woman's rights. He has a way, pecu- 
liar to himself, of enforcing unfashionable truth in the pulpit, without 
offending to any great extent. Of all men he is the greatest adept 
in the art of cutting your head off without hurting, and then growing 
it on again in better shape. 

In May, 1855, resigning his pastoral relations in Elmira, Mr. 
Peebles felt a rising force to question his ism. There is a vein of 
spirit-life underlying these brief words, addressed to his Bro. Harter, 
to whom he confided many heart secrets. "Were the spirits burning 
up his theological rubbish? " Don't glory, my brother, in my inde- 
pendence. I want a long talk with you about Universalism, as an 
?sm, particularly as taught by the old school." 



38 THE SPIRITUAL PILGRIM. 

Mr. Peebles takes to dignity as the pine to the mountain. His 
pride is in the way. While he was preaching in Oswego, N.Y., 
vigorous efforts were made to obtain a capacious Orthodox church, 
for the celebrated Mrs. Bloomer, wherein to lecture upon " dress- 
reform." The officials refusing it, of course, Mr. Peebles secured 
the Universalist house of worship. To give it more respectability, 
he was voted into the courtesy of meeting her at the cars. When on 
a mission of duty, Mr. Peebles is thoughtless of reputation. This 
is a marked trait in his make-up. He is of the Fremont stamp, 
not Lincoln. In his zeal, he sometimes blunders into a pit, but is 
out ere he touches bottom. He met the lady : she , was attired in 
" bloomer." Why had he not thought of her costume before con- 
senting to escort her into the city? But there was no backing. out ; 
against the grain. Arm in arm they walked through the principal 
street, followed by an accumulating crowd of rowdies who encored 
them with shoutings, whistlings, and jeerings, to the hotel. He, how- 
ever, bore this "great cross" quite manfully, and had the compen- 
sating satisfaction of seeing an enthusiastic congregation gathered in 
his church, swayed by a woman's eloquent appeal for emancipation 
from the thralldom of fashion. The victory over rowdyism and 
Orthodox conservatism was splendid, popularizing his moral indepen- 
dence. 

He pressed in his "Literary Herbarium" this floating thistle- 
flower : — 

" Learn for the sake of your mind's repose, 

That wealth's a bauble that conies and goes, 
And that proud flesh, wherever it grows, 

Is subject to irritation." 

Mr. Peebles's radicalism cost him much, trying his moral steel in 
a thousand ways. Under the pressure of Orthodox prejudice and a 
world of care, he would often fall into despondency, producing physical 
exhaustion. Needing " school-day companionship," he sent for Bro. 
Harter, and offered to pay his expenses if he would come and cure 
him of the " blues." Coming, he commenced his ready wit, — the 
antidote for such sins, — when the depressed minister, the first time for 
several weeks, began to laugh ; the thermometer of joke rising to so 
great a heat, Mr. Peebles offered him double pay, " considering lame 
sides," if he would go home ! 

" Seek and ye shall find," was his text about this time. So uto- 



RADICAL PREACHING. 39 

pian, he needed a balance-wheel, a centripetal force. Thus he 
reasoned ; and so others recommended. In Mary M. Conkey, a 
teacher of Clinton Liberal Institute, he found a very refined and 
artistic companion. As a painter, she excelled ; and in after years 
became a spirit artist, whose productions are very beautiful. In a 
" Pen Sketch of Reformers," published in Moses Hull's " Spiritual 
Eostrum," Mrs. H. F. M. Brown writes, — 

"Mary Conkey, the wife of our brother, has kept pace with him in all his progressive 
ideas. However dark and rough the outer world has sometimes seemed, there has 
always been light, peace, and a loving welcome in a home that Mary has beautified by 
her own artistic hand. Clouds have overshadowed the home, but they were the 
shadows of angel wings." 

Sir Walter Scott says, — untruthfully ? — u From my experience, not 
one in twenty marries the first love : we build statues of snow, and 
weep to see them melt." Oliver Goldsmith, adverting to his expe- 
rience, says, " I chose my wife, as she did her wedding-gown, for 
qualities that would wear well." Our volatile young preacher had 
often wept over " the melting snow," but sought " qualities that 
would wear well." 



CHAPTER V. 



STEPS TO FREEDOM. 

" Out of the eater came forth meat, and out of the strong came forth sweetness."— Rn>- 
dib of Samson. v 

" Sow ye beside all waters, 

Where the dew of heaven may fall : 
Te shall reap if ye be not weary ; 

For the Spirit breathes o'er all. 
Sow, though the thorns may wound thee : 

One wore the thorns for thee; 
And, though the cold winds scorn thee : 

Patient and hopeful be. 

Sow, though the rock repel thee, 

In its cold and sterile pride : 
Some cleft there may be riven, 

"Where the little seed may hide. 
Fear not, some will flourish ; 

And, though the tares abound, 
Like the willows by the waters 

Will the scattered grain be found." — Friends' Review. 

In January, 1856, Mr. Peebles accepted a call to the pastorate of 
the Universalist Society of Baltimore, Md. The query rose in the 
minds of some of his professed friends, whether he would there freely 
advocate Northern principles. One " jealous-pated fellow" reported 
he had the " gag on ; " another, that he had " lost his Northern 



"I have not lost my Northern heart, nor Northern principles. You know I can neither 
love nor apologize for human slavery. What I believe, I must speak out. There are 
open opponents of slavery here, as in New York. It was the understanding from the 
first, that I should be a pastor free and independent." 

About this time, Mr. Peebles was already a defender of a certain 
phase of Spiritualism. Wedded to his denomination, he was very 
prudent in his language, careful to preserve the precious adjective 
that renders all things respectable, — Christian, — a "Christian Spir- 

40 



STEPS TO FREEDOM. 41 

itualist." Hopeful ! If we only get spiritual on the brain, growing, 
it will soon burst the iron frontispiece of our caste. Evidently our 
brother had been in good company, being guilty of all the heresies of 
the day. Note a private epistle dated from Baltimore, — 

" I hear many complaints that ' The Ambassador ' is filled with such trash as ' Tangle- 
Town Letters ! ' The last two articles of the editor are down on the Spiritualists. Brother 
Reynolds ought to know, and Brother Austin does know, that hundreds of Universalists, 
and patrons, too, of ' The Ambassador,' are Sjriritualists, — not fanaticaL Spiritualists, nor 
'free-love' Spiritualists, but earnest, candid, Christian Spiritualists ; such as are Rev. T. 
J. Smith, and Rev. S. Cobb, of ' The Freeman.' I met several intelligent Universalists in 
Western New York, that have stopped ' The Ambassador,' and commenced taking ' The 
Spiritual Telegraph.' This grieved me ; because I love 'The Ambassador' said Brother 
Austin, and will ever do all in my power for its advancement among Universalists 1 We bave 
some old fogy Universalists among us, who treat Spiritualists just as the Orthodox have 
treated us ! The truth will finally triumph, call it by what name we may." 

Successful, he was regarded by other churches as " a most danger- 
ous man." He issued several doctrinal tracts, which were circulated 
over the country, and received with general favor by liberal minds. 
The Orthodox had a "committee on Sunday appointments." Mr. 
Peebles, addressing a polite note to the same, solicited the favor of 
having his vacant pulpit supplied, one sabbath, by a Methodist min- 
ister. It was refused ! He then wrote Bishops Waugh, Scott, and 
Rev. L. F. Morgan, a pungent, kind epistle, comparing them with 
the rabbi of the Jewish synagogue, — 

" Would to God that the narrow, proscriptive, sectarian spirit, so pointedly con- 
demned in the Pharisees by Christ, had perished with them, instead of living, as it evi- 
dently does, the blight and curse of Christendom. Why not exchange pulpit services 
with Universalists and Unitarians ? Can you not preach as much truth to their congre- 
gations as they can error to yours ? Or are you so popish as to doubt the propriety of 
'private judgment,' forbidding your people hearing all denominations, that they may 
form a correct judgment upon the doctrines of Christianity ? If you have the light, why 
not le"t it ' shine ' from Universalist pulpits ? This reminds me of the following 
circumstance : — 

"' John Adams, upon being requested to give for the support of foreign missions, 
made the following pointed reply: " I have nothing to give for that cause; but there are 
here in this immediate vicinity sixty ministers, not one of whom will preach in the 
other's pulpit. Now, I will give as much, and more than any other man, to civilize these 
clergymen." 

" The venerable Adams, with a severity that I would not employ, thought the civilizing 
of those Massachusetts clergy a pre-requisite to Christianizing them. 

" But to the original inquiry, Why refuse a preacher for our pulpit? The apostle says 
that ' Faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.' ' And how shall they 
hear without a preacher? ' And yet you declined sending us one, when you certainly 



42 THE SPIEITUAL PILGRIM. 

• must have had nearly three hundred in the city unemployed, idling away their time. 
Had the master visibly stepped into his vineyard on Sunday, would he not have repeated 
his language of old, ' Why stand ye here all the day idle ? ' And then how can you 
give an account of your stewardship at the day of ' final adjudication ? ' May not these 
neglected Universalists (who are to be damned, admitting your theology true) confront 
you with the telling words : ' No man hath cared for my soul ; ' ' Our blood be upon your 
garments; ' ' The harvest is ended, and we are not saved.' 

"I believe in God, in Jesus Christ, in the Holy Spirit, in the inspiration of the Scrip- 
tures, the necessity of faith, repentance, the new birth, ' experimental religion,' personal 
piety, and that, ' without holiness, no man shall see the Lord.' 'i believe in moral freedom, 
in man's accountability, in a just punishment for sin, the atonement by Christ, the 
resurrection of the dead, and the restoration of all men, during the mediatorial reign of 
the Son of God. And, in ail my ministrations, I press the importance of obedience to 
God, a compliance with the conditions of salvation, and a more thorough consecration of 
all the powers to the love and service of the Father. 

" And yet I am not recognized as a Christian, nor permitted to receive the civilities and 
courtesies of civic life from the Methodist clergymen of Baltimore. ' Father, forgive 
them.' -^God looks not at denominational names, but the heart. I cherish no malice to- 
ward you. The spirit of my faith, with the Master's lessons, induce me to return love 
for hatred, good for evil, blessing for cursing, and to 'pray for those who despitefully 
use me.' I close by renewing the former request to the Conference, to supply my pulpit 
next Sunday morning and evening. 

" Yours, in the gospel of Christ, J. M. Peebles." 

One orthodox minister, ashamed of his Baltimore brethren, — Rev. 
H. C. Atwater, of Providence, member of the Methodist Conference, — 
voluntarily supplied Mr. Peebles's pulpit" with power and eloquence, 
and, I trust, with the approbation of God." 

The mistletoe loves the old oak. If pride of position hold us in a 
fashionable dead-lock, if pampered priests cajole us into tame submis- 
sion, then the gods will institute trials, and compel our freedom. Mr. 
Peebles was yet young, volatile, sanguine, companionable, playful as 
a dancing lamb on the sunny hillside. "He is a mischief," said the 
staid old women ; " very unministerial," said the denominational 
" iron clads ; " " too radical," said the political conservatives. But 
everybody sought his genial soul. " Envy loves a shining mark." 
The lecherous like to victimize the poetic. The most suspicious of 
others' virtue are almost uniformly themselves the most zmvirtuous. 
The depravity we see in our neighbors is ourselves reflected. Be- 
trayal works when charity is asleep. 

" The deepest ice that ever froze 
Can only o'er the surface close: 
The living stream lies deep below, 

And flows, and can not cease to flow." 



• STEPS TO FKEEDOM, 43 

Free, jovial, heretical, affiliating with Spiritualists, of course, un- 
warranted suspicions sprung up. " Stories," like snow-balls rolling 
down hill, gain in volume and momentum. The poor man was un- 
prepared for this first trial : disheartened, he sank into an alarming 
sickness. Under the circumstances, he resigned his pastoral charge. 
Jhe Boston Trumpet " thought " all was not right." " The Ambas- 
sador " paid the following just compliment : — 

" We learn that Brother J. M. Peebles has tendered his resignation to the society in 
Baltimore. He does not consider his health sufficiently good to enable him to perform 
the very great amount of labor required in Baltimore. For several sabbaths past, he has 
held but one service in consequence. Brother Peebles is an excellent pastor, and there- 
fore will not long be without a society suited to his strength." 

{i The Baltimore Sun " noticed the resignation thus magnani- 
mously, — 

"We understand that the Eev. J. M. Peebles, pastor of the Universalist Church in 
this city, has handed his resignation to that society. Mr. Peebles has been forced to 
this step by declining health ; and we are sure his society will regret the cause of this 
determination. During Mr. Peebles's short stay in this city, he has won for himself 
many warm friends ; and the large and increasing attendance in his ministerial labors 
are sure evidences that his society fully appreciate his talents. He will rest from his 
labors for at least a year, hoping thereby to re-establish his health and usefulness." 

Several leading clergymen, disliking the unwarranted suspicions 
breathed by " The Trumpet," addressed the following letter to the 
editor : — 

' ' Brother Whittemore, — Having made inquiry concerning the report re fen edto in 
your paper of last week concerning Rev. J. M. Peebles, we beg leave to say, that we 
consider said report not warranted by the circumstances, and founded upon unauthor- 
ized and exaggerated statements. 

" E. H. Chapin. 
G. T. Flanders. 

A. St. John Chambre. 
Porter Thomas. 

B. Peters. 
Henry Lyon. 
Eben Francis. 

And others. 
" New York, Oct. 30, 1856." 

Finding the report was founded upon " unauthorized and exagge- 
rated statements," the ministerial busy-bodies began to fear they had 
gone too far for the good of the denomination. There is a point of 



44 THE SPIRITUAL PILGRIM. 

traffic with unrighteous wares wheu " forbearance ceases to be a 
virtue." Not a few of our Universalist ministers can testify to this 
from personal experience, proving that our hunted brother was not 
alone in his pilgrimage from bondage to freedom.* 

After occupying his pulpit two or three months succeeding his 
resignation, Mr. Peebles and wife left for Canton, N.Y., the " old 
homestead," where he soon received letters soliciting him to return 
and build up a new society in Baltimore. Others urged him to ac- 
cept his previous charge, as letters from J. L. Camp, Geo. T. White, 
E. L. Ironmonger, Marston, Marden, &c, at our disposal, testify ; 
but he declined every proffer of the kind, when his old society passed 
unanimously the following resolutions : — 

" Baltimore, Oct. 6, 1856. 
"Rev. J. M. Peebles. Dear Brother, — At a meeting of the Universalist Society 
of the city of Baltimore, convened in the church, on Sunday afternoon, Oct. 5, 1856, 
your resignation was received, and the following action had thereon : — 

" Whereas, It has become necessary for our pastor, on account of his declining 
health, to offer his resignation to the society over which he has held pastoral relations 
during the past nine months, therefore, be it 

"Resolved, That the resignation of Brother J. M. Peebles, as pastor of the second 
Universalist Society of Baltimore, be received and accepted. 

" Resolved, That we sincerely deplore the occasion which has led Brother Peebles 

* Of Universalist ministers persecuted, or ex-communicated, for the heresy of Spiritual- 
ism, may be mentioned, Revs. T. L. Harris, E. B. Averill, J. M. Spear, J. P. Averill, S. B. 
Brittan, T. J. Smith, L.P. Rand, J. B. Dods, Wm. Fishbough, Adin Ballpu, Geo. Sever- 
ance, B. S. Ilobbs, J. II.Harter, Rev. Mr. Cravens, A. C. Edmunds, A. J. Fishback, Joseph 
Baker, J. C. Crawford, R. Connor, &c. Mr. Connor was " cast out of the synagogue " for 
disbelief in the plenary inspiration of the Bible, the resurrection of the physical body of 
Christ, and other minor opinions. In February, 1S69, by the State Committee of the Illinois 
Convention of Universalists, the author of this biography, after twelve years ministerial 
labor with that denomination, was excom municated from fellowship solely for teaching the 
gospel of angel ministry ! The following was the " bull " passed against us : — 

" And be it also known, that said committee, having cited the Rev. J. O. Barrett to ap- 
pear before them, and show cause, if any he had, why his letter of fellowship should not be 
withdrawn, he having ceased to use it for the purposes for which it was given, and he not 
appearing, his case is judged by default; and the committee do hereby decide and declare 
his letter withdrawn. Be it known, that the above decision is not based upon moral causes. 

W. S. Ralph, 
T. J. Carney, 
B. N. Wiles, 

G. W. HlGGINS, 

Committee of Fellowship, Ordination, and Discipline." 
Patience, brethren 1 God is majority 1 Let us trust while we act the poet's idea, — 
" Stand back, ye Philistines; 
Practice what ye preach to me : 
I heed ye not ; for I know ye all. 
Your creeds are living, burning lies, 
In the sight of God's pure truths 1 " 



STEPS TO FREEDOM. 45 

thus early to dissolve the connection which has so happily existed between us as pastor 
and people. 

" Resolved, That, wherever his lot may be cast, when other friends are around him, 
and when other scenes meet his eyes, our prayers will ascend ' to the Giver of all good 
gifts ' to restore him to health and usefulness, and to lengthen his days on the earth. 

" Resolved, That in all his relations toward this society, as pastor, friend, and guar- 
dian of the sabbath school, he has ever evinced a devotedness and untiring zeal, which 
have conduced to rivet the bonds of affection between us and him more close and firm ; 
and we will not omit to say, that the cause of Christ has prospered in his hands. 

" Resolved, That a copy of this preamble and resolutions be signed by the officers, 
and transmitted to Bro. J. M. Peebles. 
" Jas. L. Camp, Secretary. "Bichakd Marley, 

President Board of Trustees." 

Mr. Peebles never held a pastoral relation with any society or 
church that did not, at the dissolution, pass resolutions in his favor 
with unanimous indorsement. 

The wounded bird, hit in her own nest, returns not thither. Then 
a hiding-place is sought, — 

" Some boundless contiguity of shade." 

Just there the angel finds the pilgrim. Strange, that in misfortune 
we think to run away from the attendant spirit ! 

After remaining iu Canton a few months, the hours of convales- 
cence, dragging their iron fetters, Mr. Peebles one day resolved to 
quit the ministry for ever. Was that the first time ? How many an 
apostle has thought it, said it ! In a few weeks, he was ou the 
wing, en route for the West, to enter into business with his cousin, 
Col. F. E. Peebles, banker and real-estate dealer, of Winona, Minn. 
We may go the length of our " cable toe." Any farther ? What 
did this man know about business ? A pretty shift for a prophet ! 
Elisha whimpered under the juniper-tree. Oh, if he had only got 
behind a counter, and dealt in " stocks and stones" ! If Jesus had 
only thrown away his " knot of strong cords," and invested capital in 
the " money-changers' business ! " O Reformers ! O poor, perse- 
cuted, wandering mediums ! 

' ' Happier to chase a flying goal, 

Than to sit counting laureled gains ; 
To guess the soul within the soul, 
Than to be lord of what remains." 



46 THE SPIRITUAL PILGRIM. 

On the way West, thinking to rest a while in Cleveland, Mr. Pee- 
bles found there a welcome home at Mr. OdelPs, one of his Kellogs- 
ville friends. Conversation immediately turned upon Spiritualism, 
— " that unmanageable element of church discord." In the main, it 
appeared to him " as glittering, drifting 'sand, with now and then a 
particle of gold, roiling the pure gospel." 

The Davenport boys were then performing in the city ; and, fortu- 
nately, a seance was appointed in a hall that afternoon. Among the 
prominent lawyers, physicians, ministers, and other quizzing thinkers, 
sat Mr. Peebles, eying the machinery with silent suspicion. The 
ropes were securely tied upon the brothers, flour put into their hands, 
chalk-marks around their feet, and the room darkened ; when instantly 
the musical instruments moved swiftly round the room, played on by 
invisible hands. Dreamy suspicion changed to earnest curiosity. He 
was quite a philosopher now, thinking by what occult agency — 
odylic, magnetic, earthly, or spiritual — that strange phenomenon 
was produced. A few, more churchal, trembled, fearful that the 
devil was playing his tricks upon them ; but James felt safe on his 
shaky plank of bibliolatry. When the circle was in good order, by 
request of the mediums, the light, subdued and mellow, shone just 
enough to reveal those instruments passing and repassing over their 
heads, playing a tune ; and there sat the Davenports, snugly tied in 
their chairs. King, the hero-spirit, then spoke audibly through a 
trumpet, startling them with the assurance that he would reveal him- 
self to them in bodily shape. 

The aural emanations of the circle were favorable to spirit materi- 
alization. Does not the germ of the rose, rooted in the warm bosom 
of " mother nature," sun-fused to its almost pulsing heart, materialize 
itself, incorporate vital elements around it, forming first the stalk, 
then the lunged leaves, then the bud, bursting, some summer morn- 
ing, into the many-tinted flower? What is nature but the material 
embodiment of spirit? What is spirit doing here but constructing a 
mirror for the. angels to look through? Thus we identify ourselves. 
Why can not spirits do the same by using like forces, governed by like 
laws ? 

An orderly circle, with inquiring affections, evolves a sphere rightly 
conditioned for the visible picturing of a spirit, — to produce a light 
within a light, like Manoah's angel in the flame of the altar. A spirit 
is not obliged to work up gross substance into finer form, as we do ; 



STEPS TO FREEDOM. 47 

but, acting through our mediumship, it grasps elements already re- 
fined, and invests itself with the spheral aura of physical and spiritual 
organisms, — organ for organ, function for function, — a very spirit 
manifestation. 

Emma Hardinge, in her great work entitled " History of Modern 
American Spiritualism," thus presents the analytical testimony of 
the spirits upon this subject : — 

"la some long but interesting communications, written in the spirit-room, without 
human agency, it is said that spirits, in their communion with earth, manifest through 
two primitive elements ; namely, first, an electro-magnetic element, of which the spirit- 
ual body is composed ; next, a physical aura, which emanates from the medium, or can 
be collected from material substances, analogous, it is supposed, to the element of ' vital- 
ity ' described in the preceding chapter. From the combination of these two, — namely, 
the emanations of the spirit and the medium, — a third, or composite, is formed, which is 
affected by the atmosphere and human emanations. From the preponderance of the 
electro-magnetic or spiritual element, the laws of cohesion and gravitation can be over- 
come ; and, through this, spirits are enabled to dissolve and re-compose substances with 
great rapidity, heave up and carry material bodies through the air, and cause them to 
float or sink, in proportion to the strength of the battery formed. It is this element which 
enables some spirits, highly charged with it, to come into contact with matter, and thus 
to use pencils, pens, etc., in writing, drawing, and playing on musical instruments. By 
aid of the physical or human aura, — animal magnetism, — they cause concussions, 
raps, shaking of furniture, and heavy ponderable bodies ; by this, also, they produce 
spirit-light, gathering it up so as to form an envelope of matter around their own hands, 
condense sound so as to be heard, singing and speaking, and strike upon the heavier in- 
struments. ' The composite element is used more or less in all modes.' " 



Mr. Peebles was not then able to understand this " spiritual alche- 
my," — could not even comprehend the simple fact, that his philosophy 
of miracles could measure even the materialization of a spirit. He 
had taught that a miracle, strictly speaking, is the action of a natural 
but unknown law. Here he actually probed the vein of spirit phe- 
nomena. What TJniversalists and Unitarians had discovered, — that 
the laws of nature harmonize, and are one and identical with the 
revealed laws of God, — is, in fact, the magic wand that opens to 
view all the mysteries in heaven and earth, when, behold ! we look 
therein in the calm light of philosophy. 

Mr. Peebles was " struck with conviction," but still trying to 
" climb up the old way." Scales were before his vision, and spirits 
were " a wonder in a wonder-making world." He had at first 
doubted whether those instruments would fly around their heads 
without hands touching them : then the spirits permitted him to see 



48 THE SPIEITUAL PILGEIM. 

them moving, as if themselves things of life ; yet more wonder- 
ful came the promise, that the spirit himself would be seen ! He 
doubted. 

The boys again were tied : all was dark, silent, gloomy ; when, lo ! 
a flickering glimmer shot out, as a star at midnight, swelling larger 
into nebulous mist, rolling up fleecy white, growing more and more 
distinct, till, opening as "a door in heaven," there appeared the 
spirit form of a strange man in large proportions. The spirits had 
done even more than they promised. Was he now convinced? 
Our confounded, confounding brother cast himself again into the 
" slough of doubt," to cogitate upon " occipital motion," " od 
force," " unconscious psychology," and the like, — the bed of spikes 
wilful skeptics delight to dream on. 

Mr. Peebles said, " We read that an angel rolled away a stone 
from Christ's sepulchre, and another angel unlocked Peter's prison- 
door : if you be spirits, I defy you to do the same, or any thing 
like it." 

At Mr. Odell's, that evening, the room brilliantly lighted with gas, 
the boys tied, he and all the company saw peacocks' plumes floating 
over their heads, and books with sheets of paper moving without 
visible hands. Sensing his mental re-action, the spirits approached 
him, and suddenly jerked him out of the circle, throwing him upon 
the floor. This trespass upon his clerical dignity enlivened the cir- 
cle to a general merriment ; which the spirits enjoyed by a more lively 
play, with the instruments whizzing musically around their ears. 
Did he now believe? He was sure of this much, that it was "no 
mesmeric hallucination ; " for his side was actually lame. 

The Davenport brothers, J. K. Brown of Buffalo, and Mr. 
Peebles, occupied the same room that auspicious night. Retiring, 
full of frolic, he playfully, yet seriously, challenged the spirits to make 
him a visit. When all was still, the blinds of the house open, the 
moon shining brightly, and balmy sleep began to fold over the eyelids, 
suddenly they were all roused at the sound of three raps upon the 
door. " Come in ! " said our " chosen apostle," — " Come in ! " 
very respectful in tone of voice. But no one responded. " Come 
in ! " loudly called our brother. Then the door gently opened, and 
swung back to the wall. He looked up, gazed, scrutinizing through 
the wide aperture ; but nobody appeared. Rap, rap, rap ! on the 
floor, then on the walls. The boys exclaimed, " The spirits are 



STEPS TO FKEEDOM. 49 

here ! " Just then Mr. Peebles remembered his challenge ; when a 
heavy hand struck him on his stomach, and a smart crack on his 
head. "Oh, that hurts- — hurts!" said our hero, in trepidation. 
The boys laughed, and encouraged an " evening entertainment." The 
moonlight itself seemed a saucy witness of Mr. Peebles's discomfiture. 

The clothes sprung off the bed, the bed itself rocked ; and confusion 
generally ensued. " For Heaven's sake, Peebles," said Brown, 
" strike a light." Mustering courage, he sprung out ; and, as he 
walked across the room, that same hand hit him solid on the back. 
The blow was overpowering ; and, in alarm and pain, he shouted, 
" That hurts ! Oh ! Oh ! I know you are spirits ! I give it up ! I will be- 
lieve ; but don't hurt me so ! " Frightened, he scrambled into bed, pull- 
ing the sheet over his face, like a child at sight of a ghost. One of 
the boys entranced, a voice from the air said, " You dared us. Get 
your light: we'll do you no harm. Mrs. Odell, listening joyfully in 
the hall below, exclaimed, " Good, Brother Peebles, good ! they 
will convert you before morning ! " Mr. Peebles inquired, " Why do 
you handle me thus roughly, if you be good spirits?" The intelli- 
gence replied, " To give you evidence of our power, and complete 
demonstration of conscious immortality, that you may walk no 
longer by faith, but by sight. You are appointed for a great work : 
gird up your loins, buckle on your sandals, grasp the sword of truth. 
Go forth ! " 

It was to him a genuine knock-down argument. The impres- 
sion made by that seance was deep and lasting, awakening in after 
years a heart-gratitude to the spirits controlling the Davenport circle, 
for the solid proof of their presence when he was in most need of 
angelic light. 

Away from Eastern associations, dreamily sauntering along the 
frozen shore of the " Father of Waters," skimming now and then a 
pebble over the ice, like a mere child ; then at night, after an unde- 
fined and undefinable business-attempt that was as awkward as his 
chopping enterprises in old Vermont, tossing and twisting upon his bed, 
asleep with one eye on bank-bills and the other on God ! — such were 
our hero's experiences in Minnesota. He was nowhere, yet every- 
where ; thinking nothing, yet thinking every thing. "James M. 
Peebles, Banker and Real-Estate Dealer ! " was his oft soliloquy ; 
u Ha ! ha! ha! — real-estate, litigation, speculation, — money to 
1 swim in. : All my early ambition leaked out : well, well ! " Poor 



• 



50 THE SPIRITUAL PILGRIM. 

fellow ! he dreaded the sign-board strangely. At length, a calm came 
on, the calm that follows a swift shower, — the time for an angel to 
unroll the panorama of his life. There it was, all in picture, — boy- 
hood, school-days, romances, mistakes, prayers, deeds, ministries, 
friends so many, enemies too, the work scarcely begun ere it is 
blasted ; oh, what lights and shades in that review ! Then sinking 
into a half-revery, he questioned himself, — questioned his ability, 
questioned his fidelity, questioned God, Christ, Bible, every thing, — 
questioned where he had been accustoned to pray with seeming faith ; 
and, listen ! the question was laden with a new, startling answer, 
that folded down upon him like a sun ray, — 

" Go and preach your highest convictions of truth and duty ! " — 
" Highest convictions," he repeated, — " highest convictions ! " There 
was a meaning here, never before so solemn and impressive. " Have 
1 stifled the truth?" he asked: "have I compromised truth, or 
shunned duty ? " — u Go and preach your highest convictions ! " was 
the response. 

Instantly his resolution was fixed. He would be henceforth inde- 
pendent, act the Parker, an agitator ! 'Tis easier said than done. 
It is a great ways out of Egypt. A sect holding us by education, 
friendship, support, is as bewildering as a wilderness. Its darkness 
is visible, when the soul pants for liberty. What are those cables 
over the fitful waterfalls ? Gossamer threads ! What the appren- 
ticeship ? Battle, agony, heart-ache ! To sever ministerial ties ; to 
turn oneself out of home ; to be tmsalaried ; to be a lonely Elijah on 
the Sacred Mount ; to be a Jesus tempted, betrayed, crucified ; to 
face a frowning church, full of howling and scorn, — that is something 
to a minister once pampered and flattered. But he must pay this 
cost ! He must traverse the gulf between liberal preaching and 
liberal practice, losing from his shoulders the respectable burden 
styled Christian. Toleration in the pulpit is debasingly intolerant 
out of the pulpit. He must be the exception among ministers to 
equipoise these antagonisms. By a delicate art, the spirits write 
upon the arms of some of their media electric letters of fire, speak- 
ing words of immortal love. Such must now be engraved upon his 
soul by an angel's pen. 

" The waters compassed me about, even to the soul: the depth closed me round about; 
the weeds were wrapped about my head. I went down to the bottoms of the mountains: 
the earth with her bars was about me for ever; yet hast thou brought up my life from cor- 



STEPS TO FREEDOM. 51 

ruption, O Lord I my God. . . . And the Lord spake unto the fish; and it vomited Jonah 
up on dry land." 

Scarcely knowing what to do with himself, he half-concluded to 
return to Canton. "What for?" he pondered. There is a time in 
life when the heart hugs its holy purpose with a fear and trembling ; 
when a vail shuts over our vision, and we only feel destiny. Is there 
not an angel of the " Over Soul," who hides future prospects from us, 
lest our hopes may be too high, making us selfish ; and hides adver- 
sity, lest we may, in our unschooled faith, refuse to advance? 

" Oh, blindness to the future kindly given, 
That each may fill his station marked by heaven! " 

Liberty hangs by a delicate pivot : the slightest touch will tip it. 
The spirits know this, and watch our vacillation with intense anxiety. 
Unconscious to ourselves, we may be on the very point of turning ; 
and then come two counter-forces, to try our mettle. " Thoughts, 
like sun-fires, penetrate the world." Spirits of our plane, feeling the 
disturbance in our bosoms, foreseeing consequences, drifting to us on 
the wave-crests of this mental sphere, alarmed at any break in a link 
of fellowship, rush with impetuous zeal to help their earthly com- 
panions keep their brightest stars in their own galaxy. Spirits of 
higher life, hearing our prayer for deliverance, also gather near, to 
lift us up to their society. To the candidate, it is a fearful moment, 
— the neutral ground of battle between the old and the new. 

This was our brother's experience now. By a blind instinct, he 
had arrived at Chicago, where he received letters from influential 
ministers and other friends, urging him to return to the " Universalist 
ministry, where he belonged." Why this pleading at this hour? Yes, 
why? Ask those " powers and principalities of the air." What was 
the voice from Elmira, Jamestown, N.Y., Baltimore, McLean, 
Auburn? " Return to your first love ! Be less radical : preach good 
old Universalism ! " Ah, James ! had you known Delilah then as 
well as you do now, would you even thought of having your locks 
shaven, that the Philistines might conquer you ? 

This was Saturday evening. That night, sleepless, worrying, 
full of pleadings, will never be forgotten. The better angels 
recorded it ; and it will be read, by and by, to note how close came a 
heavenly heart in an angel's hand to his troubled bosom, but could 
not enter," for the casket was not yet cleared of impediment. 



52 THE SPIRITUAL PILGRIM. 

A stranger in a city on Sunday morning is at liberty to go where 
his instincts lead. 

Taking a humble seat in a Spiritualist meeting, he looked over the 
happy audience, noticing prominent citizens, whom he afterwards 
learned to be such men as Seth Paine, H. M. Higgins, Mr. Green, 
&c. " Not all fools, I trow," he. thought. Soon a gentleman was 
entranced, and came direct to him. What did it mean ? All eyes 
were riveted on him. No escape ! Then the spirit calmly said, with 
a kind voice of recognition, — 

" I see your devious and winding pathway of life, — thorns and craggy steeps. Eecent- 
ly.you have been on a rough and tempestuous sea: your craft was rickety and 'unsafe. 
You leaped from it into the deep! Ah, ha ! you are in a better vessel: you are alone in 
it, — nobody to guide you over all this vast waste. But look above : there it is, a strong 
hand that controls all ! Nothing but a hand I see ; and it guides you so safe ! You 
touch the shore ; and now your path winds up, up, over rocks ! There are precipices 
and perils; but the hand guides, and you are safe! You are commissioned from on 
high ! Go, teach the ministiy of angels ! " 

"Methinks the air 
Throbs with the tolling of harmonious bells, 
Rung by the hands of spirits everywhere : 
"We feel the presence of a soft despair, 
And thrill to the voices of divine farewells." — Dickens. 

The prophecy of that medium in Chicago haunted Mr. Peebles 
night and day. It made him reflective. His purpose seemed uncer- 
tain. For what was he waiting? daylight to dawn? Starting for 
the East, through those busy streets, everybody's step poised to reso- 
lution but his own : so it seemed. He soliloquized : " What my 
fate? Rocks, precipices, perils! Alone I'll climb." — "Alone?" 
asked a voice.. Then he thought of his ministerial companions, and 
recalled a report that Rev. J. P. Averill, of Battle Creek, Mich., a 
prominent Universalist, in full fellowship, had espoused Spiritualism. 
The angels know whom to trust, — where the oases are ! Experiences 
not yet arrived at are spiritually as real as memories of the past. 
We step forward where the soul sees. The spider casts its vital 
thread ahead, to feel after a basis of support : so do we ; but do not 
unseen friends watch the forward end, and fasten it on the high cliffs 
of heaven ? 

At Battle Creek, he called upon Mr. Averill, and found in him a 
sympathizing friend, who was also passing through the fire. Notice, 
without his knowledge, was immediately given that " Rev. J. M. 



STEPS TO FREEDOM. 53 

Peebles would address the Liberalists of Battle Creek, next Sunday 
morning and evening." 

" Why," said Peebles, " I do not want to preach ! " 

"Talk then," replied Mr." A., — "talk! that's the best kind of 
preach." 

A goodly number gathered in the hall, — Spiritualists, Universalists, 
Quakers, Free Thinkers, &c, " all of one accord in one place." The 
congregation intelligent, their greetings so cordial, he was inspired 
with the electric touch of soul to soul. His text was appropriate : 
" If the truth shall make you free, ye shall be free indeed." It was 
handled in a masterly manner, and found a happy response. Closing 
that ever memorable meeting, the congregation gathering around 
him, Joseph Merritt and Eli Lapham, both Quaker ministers, and 
others, gave him their hands, saying, " We want to engage thee. Thee 
need not call it preaching. Thee shall be free." Then and there he 
engaged for a year ; and he remained six years pastor of " the First 
Free Church of Battle Creek." His now happy wife had a home 
again. Here they lived many years, dearly affiliated with that faith- 
ful people who loved him better than themselves. He shared in their 
deprivations, and sorrows, — always a harmonizer ; and in all their 
troubles, sicknesses, and bereavements, was the ministering angel. 

As the wave on the still lake widens out, so did our brother's 
work, so arduous, augment upon his hands from year to year ; first 
a town, then a county, then a State. He was a seed-sower ; and the 
gardens he made are in blossom yet. 

Those days, as now, many Spiritualists whom he visited in these 
outgoings did not always remember the just claims of the faithful 
teacher. Often did he travel miles on foot to his appointments, re- 
ceiving not a " thank you." As often did he bear his own expense of 
team. Poor gratitude that ! In one of his " foot-appointments," he 
traveled fourteen miles, after speaking, in a dismal night, and fell into 
a ditch. " My God I " he exclaimed, " has it come to this? Horses 
owned by friends in , and I in this dilemma ? " There is a spe- 
cies of bipeds, in their worm-state, that assume a liberal name to 
avoid taxation in illiberal relations. When just reward is demanded, 
they appeal to the example of Jesus and his apostles, who " preached 
the gospel without money and without price." Was ever insult 
greater? Do they forget that the Nazarene said, " The laborer is 
worthy of his hire." If they are so apostolic, let them " give all their 



54 THE SPIRITUAL PILGRIM. 

goods to feed the poor," and " take no thought for the morrow." 
Will they deny self ? The patience of Mr. Peebles with such 
" leeches " was sometimes too great to be a virtue. Be not too gen- 
tle with rotten teeth. Through all these tribulations, he faltered not. 
He verily went to the " by-ways and hedges." Where he sowed 
seed in the cold, the summer bloomed. His was the reward : " He that 
goeth forth, and weepeth, bearing precious seed, shall doubtless come 
agaiu with rejoicing, bringing his sheaves with him." 

O heart-aching church ! feeding on the husks of fashion, what is 
this power that snatches us from your " close communions," from fine 
salaries, and drives us forth into thorny paths, to preach " the gos- 
pel to every creature," — in barns, halls, groves, and streets? " He 
that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches." 
... "I counsel thee to buy of me gold, tried in the fire, that 
thou mayest be rich ; and white raiment, that thou mayest be clothed, 
and that the shame of thy nakedness do not appear." 

How can the river be locked in ice, when the summer sun touches 
it with so many hearts of love ? Located among a people who ap- 
preciated his radical sentiments, favored with spiritual associations, 
frequently witnessing new and convincing developments of spirit 
presence, our brother grew young again, — full of frolic and merri- 
ment, as in his school-days at Oxford. How quick clouds vanish 
when a sensitive soul finds its social home ! How grandly the sink- 
ing ship of life rises high on the waves, when an angel hovers over it ! 
O blessed heaven ! but for those who know and love us, what were 
our changing world ? The cross buds when love is bleeding on it. 

" The very flowers that bend and meet, 
In sweetening others grow more sweet." 

Mr. Peebles continued his well-begun work, winning friends every- 
where to the standard of spiritual liberty. One, two, three 
years rolled on, each laden with seed-time and harvest. Then 
dawned the hour of reconciliation. Several Universalist ministers, 
instrumental in circulating " bad currency," having grown more lib- 
eral, made the amende honorable in private letters to him, asking 
his forgiveness. Says Lamerais, — 

" Love makes all things possible." 



STEPS TO FREEDOM. 55 

The flower blesses the foot that crushes it. What a joy was his, 
to give back a hand warm with generous feeling ! Arm in arm 
again, joking over the past, they proposed that he return to his de- 
nominational motherhood ! Aha ? His Brother Harter proffered a 
hand and heart. Other clergymen wrote in similar style. 

" Christian Ambassador Office, 
Auburn, N.Y., March 19, 1859. 

" Bro. James, — Why not come right back into the old Cayuga Association, and get a 
letter of fellowship f I will warrant one for you. I want the true companion of my 
boyhood to be a Universalist minister. Let me hear from you. 

" J. H. Harter." 

His brother, J. L. Camp, of Baltimore, suggested the same step. 
We extract from his letter, — 

" Brother Peebles ! you did a wrong thing to leave B., where your usefulness was 
just about being developed ; and let me assure you (though I do not want to pamper 
your vanity, but tell you the solemn truth), that, were our desk vacant to-day, and you 
could be had again, you could get the unanimous vote of the society (save probably 
one); and, if you do go back into the Universalist ministry, which I pray God you may, 
do not make any permanent arrangement with any society until we have a chance." 

What was Mr. Peebles's reply to these cordial invitations? 
" Come over and help us ! " When asked if he thought of returning 
to the Universalist ministry, he asked, " Do planets go back? " 

" Can ye drive young spring from the blossomed earth? " 

During all his public labors, Mr. Peebles has never said any thing 
against, but always for, progressive, liberal Universalism ; among 
whose defenders, he reckons some of his truest friends. No formal 
denominational charge was ever brought against him : no ecclesias- 
tical tribunal ever arraigned him. He resigned his letter of fellowship 
in 1856. 

Several years after, Mr. Peebles was invited to Baltimore by the 
Spiritualists : then he went. There he met old friends, — Danskin, 
Camp, White, and others. How changed ! After speakiug en- 
couraging words of the spiritual cause, under the ministrations of 
Mrs. F. O. Hyzer, he wrote, — 

" We bid Universalism, as interpreted by its better and broader-souled exponents, 
Godspeed ; but this little picayunish, sectarian Universalism, that says, ' Thus far and 



• 



56 THE SPIRITUAL PILGRIM. 

no farther,' is only comparable to Martha's representation of Lazarus's body, four days 
dead. We believe in Universalism still, as a faith ; and, in becoming a Spiritualist, 
have only obeyed the apostolic injunction, ' Add to your faith . . . knowledge.' Where- 
as we formerly walked by faith, seeing through a ' glass darkly,' now we walk by sight, 
knowing, that, when this earthly house is dissolved, ' we have a building of God, a house 
not made with hands, eternal in the heavens.' " 



CHAPTER VI. 

THE PROPHET MAN. 

"All are architects of fate, 

"Working in these walls of time ; 
Some with massive deeds and great, 
Some with ornaments of rhyme." — LONGFELLOW. 

The artist angels select their media for temple-service. Fitness 
to order is the rule of structure. The man before us, entering now 
upon a higher work, is public property ; and everybody has a right 
here. There is yet to be a system of " Spiritual Phrenology." 
Engineers, conductors, treasurers, and other candidates for public 
positions, to whom the safety of human life and property is intrusted, 
will be selected with reference to mediumistic abilities. 

Mrs. H. F. M. Brown gives the following psychometrical read- 



" Mr. Peebles's leading characteristic is, perhaps, individuality. He is independent in 
thought and speech; condemns cowardice and jealousies without stint: he commends 
where he can, never looking to see which way the tide is setting, or waits public ap- 
proval. But he is quite willing that others should live their lives, if principles are not 
compromised. He is orderly, generous, social, mirthful, and a great lover of the beau- 
tiful. In personal appearance, he is tall, straight, of slender form, brown hair, blue 
eyes: his face is of Roman mold: his teeth faultless.. He dresses with great care, 
avoiding alike the dandy and the sloven. . . . He is tall and slim as a May-pole ; as 
fair and frail as a delicate woman. Consumption looks him in the face occasionally ; 
but, by sailing the world half round, he has eluded the unwelcome phantom. But, after 
all, the mistake might have been in putting the right soul into the wrong body. Spirit- 
wise, Mr. Peebles is a mountaineer. He is calm in a storm, laughs at the lightning, 
and listens to the thunder as friend to friend. His thoughts, like mountain-streams, 
gush forth with freshness, music, and originality. If he is a thought-borrower, his 
benefactions are the ferns, the dewy mosses, the wild-flowers," the cloud-crowned hills, 
and green valleys of his native State. I said to my soul, while listening to him, 
Emerson had this very man in his mind, when he said, — 

4 In your heart are birds and sunshine : in your thoughts the brooklets flow.' " 

57 



58 THE SPIRITUAL PILGRIM. 

In 1858, J. M. Spear, entranced, gave Mr. Peebles the appropri- 
ate title of the " Elucidator ; " because his " mission is to catch and 
elucidate thoughts, ideas, and principles." In 1867, at Blue An- 
chor, N.J., Mr. Spear gave him another reading, discovering mate- 
rial changes in his spiritual organism during the interim of about 
ten years : — 

" The element of reconciliation is just coming into the bud state. It will so open 
that you will be able to reconcile apparent opposites, .and to show the relation which 
disapprovals must and do bear to approvals, and how a course of the opposites helps open 
up into the divine and highest action." 

In the trance condition, Mr. Spear also advised him to labor in the 
sphere for which he was then best fitted, — " the ministry of reconcil- 
iation," — to harmonize the belligerent forces of Spiritualism, and in 
social and political life. Travel he must in the Old World, to study 
institutions, and trace the civilizing relations of nations, — to be no 
longer a nationalist, but a cosmopolitan. And here stands a 
prophecy : — 

" At a later period, you will have your chair in a contemplated college, where, by 
your elucidative and reconciliative power, you will become a teacher especially adapted 
to young women from eighteen to twenty-five years of age. There will be your forte. 
You are therefore in process of culture for this closing labor Of your life." 

In 1869, Mrs. S. A. Waterman of Boston, dating from the mag- 
netism of the superscription on his letter, under spirit influence, 
gave Mr. Peebles a very lucid delineation, indicative of rare medi- 
umistic powers and appreciation of a true life. 

Being in Providence, R.I., in 1860, lecturing on Spiritualism, he 
one evening attended a popular course of lectures on Phrenology, 
by O. S. Fowler, who, at the close, permitted the audience to select 
individuals for examination : when Mr. Peebles, then a stranger to 
the professor, was loudly called to the platform, with results after- 
wards written as follows : — 

" You, sir, have an organization of mark, and can hardly fail to be a man of mark. 

" Your largest single organ is firmness; are well nigh obstinate; would be quite so, but 
that large caution enables and disposes you to judge wisely before you decide, but, 
once decided, are like the laws of the 'Medesand Persians.' So be sure that 'you 
are right before you go ahead ; ' for you can turn your attention to almost any thing but 
bargain-driving. . . .Are a practical skeptic; doubt every thing until it is proved, and 
worship the Deity in nature, but not at all in creeds and ceremonies. Are eminently, 
even pre-eminently, reformatory, even radical. Have unbounded benevolence, and the 



THE PROPHET MAN. 59 

greatest desire to do good, and make those around you happy. But, sir, your prayers 
are short. Are a first best judge of human nature; read a man right through ; take your 
snap judgment of every thing, of men included; do best on the spur of the moment; so 
* take no thought what you shall say ; for it shall be given unto you, in the hour thereof.' 
Are logical, clear-headed, good in explaining, expounding ; especially good in arguing, by 
ridicule, and 4 showing up.'' Are terribly sarcastic, and will be one of the best abused and 
praised of men; for your enemies will hate you badly, and friends love you proportion- 
ately, even tremendously. Never stop ; and, the greater the obstacles, the more determined 
you pursue your course : obstacles only embolden you. 

" Have all the elements for becoming a soldier, and ought to be a commanding officer. 
1 speak now of bravery, ambition, and endurance ; would flinch at neither moral nor 
physical danger, but face them boldly : yet moral courage predominates. Are a most 
potential advocate of the truth ; with you, right and truth are paramount. Are one of 
the/ewnvho dare to do their duty, and defy the consequences, — dare to speak right out. . . . 
Are not naturally mercenary; have no regard for dollars and cents; should learn their 
value, and cultivate smallness. Ought to have a salary, so that you can graduate 
your expenses accordingly. Will be cheated every time you try to drive bargains. 
Ought to have an economical wife, and put the purse into her hands ; for you are not fit to 
carry it. Can never ' Jew up or down; ' have no commercial talents; could succeed in 
business only by intellect. Are infinitely better adapted to intellectual life ; should be a 
professional man; ought to be a speaker. Have really superior talents for acquiring 
knowledge, and imparting it. Have fine descriptive powers : are a little too apt to over- 
draw your pictures, — I mean, are given to hyperbole ; use very strong expressions ; are 
versatile in talents " 

James Burns of London, England, in a philosophical dissertation 
upon climatic conditions as molding mind, writes in his excellent 
monthly, entitled "Human Nature," of July 1, 1870, — 

" In America, we find a marked blending of the religious views of the native Indian 
with the best parts of Aryan philosophy. The keen, natural intuitions of the red man, 
his monotheistic creed, and consciousness of the ' Great Spirit,' are ingrafted upon the 
white man's culture and rationalistic tendencies; and, as a result, we have an improved 
combination of the primary and recent, the natural and attained, the intuitive and ration- 
alistic, the spiritual and intellectual. And where did these influences come from ? They 
have been derived from two sources : First, from the psychological influences impressed 
on the soil, atmosphere, and objects of the country by its former inhabitants, and un- 
consciously perceived and absorbed by the present population. Second, from the spirit- 
world, through the action of the spirits of the departed race upon those who this day 
occupy their places. We repeat, these considerations must become leading features in 
the investigations of ethnologists before the secrets of the wonderful transformations 
which are going on, and have taken place, amongst mankind can be accounted for. 
While anthropologists are mere physicists, — materialists, — they can only deceive 
themselves, and mislead the world. Their anatomical facts and incidental narratives 
are all good, so far as they go; but they are only children's stories and old women's 
fables, when compared with that form of knowledge which exposes the hidden causes 
from which objective phenomena proceed. 

" We preface these remarks to a delineation of J. M. Peebles, as he is a well-marked 
example of the law we are endeavoring to point out. He is almost immediately de- 
scended from Scotch and English ancestors ; yet, while he retains in the deeper strata 



60 THE SPIRITUAL PILGRIM. 

of his character some of the features of both, but more particularly the Scotch, he 
very prominently exhibits peculiarities that belong to neither. The more we see of 
American mediums and Spiritualists, and the deeper we dive into their psychological ex- 
periences, the more are we impressed by the fact, that the unsectarian, natural, free 
influence of Indian spirits has much to do with the broad liberality and untrammeled 
love of spiritual truth which characterizes advanced Americans ; and the work is yet 
going on, intensifying from year to year. And, as new means of communication open 
up between the various countries of the earth, we shall behold a wider extension of this 
great principle of psychological action, which we believe is the great modifier of 
humanity. 

" Your brain [speaking of Mr. Peebles] is exceedingly active. The organs are sharp- 
ly developed, and few of them are in a dormant state. Your body is eminently fitted for 
action. It is the servant of the brain in every particular ; and your bodily organs and 
passions are entirely under the control of the mind, and subservient to its highest behests. 
You are lacking in vitality: you do not love life sufficiently for its own sake. Physical 
wants and animal necessities are disregarded by you; and you are entirely removed from 
the sphere of sensuous pleasui-e and animal indulgence. You have scarcely sufficient 
lung power, or arterial blood ; but your peculiar temperament enables you to derive more 
from spiritual than physical sources. You do not feel the want of these deficiencies of 
the vital apparatus in the same degree as others would, of a grosser temperament. Your 
nervous system is excellently harmonized and balanced by your locomotive apparatus, 
which is long in development, and exercises much power of equilibrium over your ex- 
ceedingly excitable nervous system; hence you can expend all your nerve-power in 
useful acts, and ai*e inclined to be busy, continually carrying your thoughts into action, 
and doing a great deal of work with a very little wear and tear. 

" The social organs are very fully marked. This region of the brain is indicative of the 
feminine type. You have all the feelings of a mother, and, as it were, take a maternal 
interest in those with whom you come in contact. Your affections are more of the 
domestic than social type; hence you take everybody with whom you sympathize into 
the close relationship of brotherhood, and take a real interest in all with whom you be- 
come acquainted. ......... 

" You are very considerate towards woman. You harmonize with her spirit very truh r , 
and can influence the female mind quite favorably, if it is on the same plane as your 
own. You are capable of making many female friends. 

"Industry and promptness are striking characteristics. You are always busy, and can 
not waste time, or take sufficient rest. You would be better with more hardness and 
aggressiveness of character, to resist encroachments and protect self. Were it not for the 
fact that you have very little fear and restraining power generally, you would not have 
sufficient resolution to accomplish the work of your life ; but your mind is free from 
apprehension or fear : hence you can advance with very little friction. 

"You are exceedingly deficient in that which leads to policy, equivocation, and suspi- 
cion. You are too open and unguarded. You have moral forethought, which keeps you 
straight with your conscience. You likewise manifest that quality of reserve and depth 
of mind which keeps you from opening up your character at once to the greater number 
of those you meet with; hence, though familiar with many, they may not know you 
thoroughly, because of a certain delicacy which restrains you from manifesting yourself 
beyond the limits of strict propriety. 

" You are naturally proud and elevated, and conduct yourself with dignity and manli- 
ness; but you are somewhat deficient in self-reliance, and like to have a positive com- 
panion with whom vou can associate and take counsel. 



THE PROPHET MAN. 61 

" The summit of your character culminates in your great integrity and stability of 
moral principle, perseverance, and sense of duty; though you may, for a moment, feel 
absorbed in individuals, and apparently succumb to their opinions, yet you maintain a 
fixed inflexibility of purpose. 

" You are not one of those circumspect people, who make every day of their life accord 
with the others ; but you are ready to renounce every thing you profess, if your discover- 
ies of truth indicate such a course. 

" You feel as if too much of the success of the world's struggles depended upon your- 
self and upon your works. Thus you do not enjoy so much spiritual beatitude and 
divine fellowship as you find pleasure in doing the work and promoting the interests of 
humanity. Your benevolence is exceedingly large and active : your sympathies are sus- 
ceptible, almost to an abnormal extent. You can not come within the sphere of necessity 
without feeling it as your own. Yours is the spirit of the true philanthropist. 

" You have a prophetic and intuitive perception of the course of things, which leads 
you on when your want of faith and hope would cause you to flag, and give up the contest. 
Your mind is looking forward and backward at the same time. You see very clearly 
the relations between the past and the future; and the present is to you a sphere of pro- 
gressive activity. . . . . 

"Ingenious and versatile, you can readily turn your attention to a great variety of sub- 
jects. You have much taste and literary ability; and, as the inspirational faculty is very 
active, you readily find material to cover the necessities of your case. You gather 
knowledge accurately and to the purpose ; and, having great power of recollection, you 
have an inexhaustible fund of literary matter to fall back upon. You readily distinguish 
special features of thought, and can make your selections according to your require- 
ments. 

" Your love of music and desire for harmony is intense. 

" You are a great chronologist. Your sense of time, and your ability to determine the 
relative dates of events, is good. Thus you are historical, and can mark epochs and the 
lapse of eras almost intuitively. You are also a traveler : you love to peregrinate, and 
visit the various parts of the world to collect their mental products. You do not notice 
so much the phenomena of nature as you do those of mind. Your mechanical skill takes 
a mental form,' and you readily sketch out a subject as a builder would a house, and see 
all the adjustments of your work. Your sense of perspective, order, and arrangement 
are very good; and there is an exquisiteness and artistic beauty about your speeches and 
literary works. 

"Your command of language is moderately good; but there is a greater fund of mat- 
ter than there is a specialty of words in which to clothe it. 

" Feminine and eminently spiritual in temperament, you are, from brain development, 
constituted to view spiritual and religious subjects from the secular or humanitarian side. 
Thus, while your inspirations are intensely religious and spiritual, your method is for 
truth against priestly devices, and favorable to the unity of all human interests." 

Buffon says, " Style is the man himself." In a man's writings do 
we discover his fiber and ring of genius. In 1859, Mr. Peebles wrote 
a popular pamphlet, entitled, " Signs of the Times," in which he de- 
fends Parker and Beecher, contrasts the " old with the new," with a 
scalpel opens the sore of Orthodoxy, to " cleanse the body politic." 
These extracts show the pith of his thought: — 



62 THE SPIRITUAL PILGRIM. 

"As well hush the winds of heaven as bid the currents of free thought cease circulat- 
ing 'mong the inquiring masses that walk 'neath the noonday sun of the nineteenth cen- 
tury. 'Light, more light!' is humanity's motto. And yet every newly-conceived 
truth, whether scientific, philosophic, or spiritual, must not merely be cradled in a man- 
ger, but baptized in tears, and crucified between the two thieves, authority and popular- 
ity, ere it can become an acknowledged power in the world. An ancient conservatism 
gave Socrates hemlock, and crowned Jesus with thorns. Aid the same spirit of intoler- 
ance that burned Huss, Servetus, and Latimer, in the name of Christianity, persecuted 
and hung the Quakers, accused and mobbed the Wesleys, stoned Murray, and dragged 
Garrison through the streets, still lives, — lives to vilify and slander Spiritualists, Re- 
formers, and all those liberal-minded Christians who are laboring for the redemption of 
humanity. .......... 

" There is nothing more evident than the immutability of God's laws; and, if it were 
ever possible or ever permitted spiritual beings to communicate, the same law permits 
them now. This principle is admitted by the inspired preacher: Eccl. iii. 15. — ' That 
which hath been is now; and that which is to be hath already been: and God requires 
that which is past.' Not only is it possible, but probable; for the spirit, relieved of its 
gross earth garments, retains all its faculties, forces, mental characteristics, and moral 
qualities. It is a substantial, organized, individualized, and conscious entity, living, 
thinking, reasoning, and loving the same as before the transition. Pure love is imperish- 
able, and can not cease; immortal, and can not die: and would not the mother, freighted 
with those warm, gushing emotions peculiar to her affectionate nature, delight, though in 
spirit-spheres, to watch over her children ? Would she be herself, or would heaven be 
such to her in reality, if she could not? Would not the good father rejoice in being a 
counselor to his sons in earth-land ? and, free to roam the universe, would not the wisely- 
ordained law of parental attraction oft call him into their presence ? The spirit-world 
is not located afar, in some infinitely remote region. It is all around us, as is the atmos- 
phere we breathe ; and intercourse between spirits in the body and out of it is just as 
probable and natural also, as the oceanic commerce between America and the isles of 
the Pacific." 



CHAPTER VII. 

" THY SINS ARE FORGIVEN THEE ! " 

" Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature. . . . And these signs 
shall follow them that believe: In my name shall they cast out devils; they shall speak 
with new tongues; they shall take up serpents; and, if they eat any deadly thing, it shall 
not hurt them : they shall lay hands on the sick, and they shall recover." — Jesus. 

. " I have heard of a mystic organ, which God's own hand has sealed : 
Not a single note from its silent keys through the dim years has pealed. 
The hands of angels are searching to waken the strains sublime 
That shall make glad tidings re-echo through the corridors of time." 

Night reveals the stars. Mud is the mother-bosom of the lily. 
The slime of a damp, over-trodden path in the outskirts of a neigh- 
boring town, composed of clay, sand, and soot, by the process of 
individualization and co-operation, when left free to follow its own 
instinct, becomes in time a sapphire, an opal, and a diamond, " set 
in the midst of a star of snow." 

About twenty-five years ago, a horde of bandits stole a bright-eyed 
lad of obscure birth, and carried him to their retreat in " Black 
Swamp," Ohio, to serve as their spy and chore-_boy. Their business 
was to steal horses, forge money, and pillage the country generally. 
Active and clownish, intelligent and shrewd, he soon learned and 
excelled all their tricks. Twining vines around the daggers of the 
robbers, he was the youthful Bacchus, whose waving spear cowed all 
the game of the woods into silence. Satyrs, nymphs, and demons 
were his guards, holding nightly orgies in the bandits' den. He was 
frequently shot at by citizens, whose marks are indelible. He was 
schooled in the arts of profanity, gambling, and forgery. Poor 
boy ! he was not responsible for his early associations. When these 
fierce men scattered, he connected himself a while with a band of 
traveling minstrels, and was a perfect adept in exciting the crowd, 
and procuring money. For two summers after, he was a circus-boy 



64 THE SPIRITUAL PILGRIM. 

and ventriloquist. Educated at these popular colleges of vice, he 
became a " wild, gay, rollicking, good-hearted, demoniac, affectionate, 
fast young man." Having served such an apprenticeship, satiated 
with wandering, he settled down in Battle Creek, a companion of. the 
dissipating classes, of which he was an acknowledged leader. 

No man attracted his attention like Mr. Peebles, nor was so often the 
subject of satire. ' Seeing him on horseback, riding to his appoint- 
ments, noticing his towering, gaunt form, he would dance a jig at the 
door of the saloon, and, with a low chuckle to the " boys," shout, 
u See old granclsir long legs ! " The English language was never 
before so tortured into ludicrous blackguardism as against this " long- 
haired Spiritualist," and in so harmless, mimicking way too. 

Some time in the winter of 1858, Prof. I. Stearns visited Battle 
Creek, and commenced a series of popular lectures on Psychology. 
The interest increasing, this quizzing youngster, taking the world 
to be "a grand humbug," proposed to his coadjutors, that, the pend- 
ing evening, he would " explode the whole thing ; " and the pro- 
gramme was mapped out accordingly. He was to go on to the 
stand, the boys backing him, and feign magnetic sleep for a while, 
and then betray the professor. 

When all was ready, he stepped to the platform with an air of 
resolution, and, facing the vast crowd, gave the boys the wink. The 
professor scanned him a moment, and ordered him off, stating that 
he wanted to experiment with his old subjects, whom he required to 
be immediately seated. Young Dunn gave the wink, so well under- 
stood, and took a seat with the rest. The professor ignored him 
entirely. 

" Why not me, sir ? " 

" Because I have enough without you : leave the stand." 

" Just as I expected : you dare not try me ; you are a humbug, — 
a humbug ! " chimed in the youngster, glancing significantly towards 
his chuckling companions in the secret. 

" Perhaps not, sir ; perhaps not ! I'll try you : sit down here, 
sir ! " 

That was what the young man wanted, negatively yielding. The 
operator made a few passes, and ordered him to close his eyes, ex- 
claiming, " You can't open them ! " The subject thought he would 
just slyly peep out of one, and, making the effort, behold, they were 
sealed ! He was then caused to hunt, fish, dance, &c. Soon he 



"THY SINS AKE FORGIVEN THEE!" 65 

began to lose consciousness, indicating psychological phases entirely 
outside the programme. Using all his will-force, Mr. Stearns 
shouted, " All right ! " No response. Another influence held the 
boy ! What did it mean? " All right ! " came the command again, 
but no obedience. In a moment, he was in a fit, — a species of 
trance peculiar to disorderly mediumship. The people were excited. 
Soon his hand moved, as if writing, when Mrs. A. A. Whitney, 
comprehending the secret, came to the stand, and said, " The spirit 
wants to write." Making a few passes, to induce a more harmonious 
action, she gave him paper on which he wrote, bottom-side up, a 
dashing sentence. Several hinted, "That is all gibberish ! " Others, 
"An unknown tongue ! " Reversing the paper, Mr. Peebles deciphered 
this, — 

"I was killed on the Great Western Railroad, near Hamilton, C.W., two hours ago. 
I have a wife and two children in Buffalo. 

"John Morgan." 

On the following morning, the papers brought the news of the 
accident : two days later came confirming intelligence ; and among 
the names of persons killed was that of the very man who, the 
evening before, made himself known as a spirit. 

Ere the influence left the medium, a spirit beckoned Mr. Peebles 
to come forward again ; for there was something important to com- 
municate. Obeying the summons, the invisible intelligence with much 
earnestness said through the lips of the medium, — 

" We want you to invite this young man into your study to-morrow, when we will 
entrance him; and the object shall be made known to you." 

When returned to external consciousness, Mr. Peebles took him 
cordially by the hand, and spoke kindly ; run his fingers through his 
short hair, cut in pugilistic style, and, with soothing words, such as a 
kind friend only can utter, added, " You have a good head ; you 
can make a man of yourself," and pressed his hand again with the 
warmth of a brother's sympathy. Such tenderness was new to his 
ear ; and strange was the quivering in his soul. Mr. Peebles publicly 
asked him to call at his house the next day. That was a sleepless 
night to this initiated medium : a spirit was trying to touch the 
tremulous chords of his heart, heretofore so cold and dead. 

On the morrow, finding he did not appear at the appointed hour, 



66 THE SPIRITUAL PILGRIM. 

Mr. Peebles, impressed by a spirit-intelligence, sought him in the 
shop where he was working, and, not upbraiding him, asked why 
he did not come, his eyes at the same time filling with tears. The 
young man was embarrassed, and stammered out a half-conscious 
excuse about work. Taking a walk with him, Mr. Peebles, asking 
no questions about his antecedents, portrayed the beauty and joy of 
an educated and upright life, with the persuasion of that confidence 
which an angel feels in a mortal's latent goodness. 

A few days after this, the young man, attiring himself as best he 
could with his thin, coarse garments, knocked at the door of the 
man he almost dreaded to see. Mr. Peebles was cordial, giving 
the bewildered medium a little self-reliance. As he passed the pic- 
tures and library in his " study," his emotions were so odd, for it 
was indeed a new world to him. When sufficiently composed, he en- 
tered the trance-state with perfect facility, under Mr. Peebles's 
magnetism. 

" So gaze met gaze, 
And heart saw heart, translucent through the rays, — 
One same harmonious, universal law, 
Atom to atom, star to star, can draw : 
And mind to mind swift darts, as from the sun, 
The strong attraction and the charm is done." 

A spirit then addressed Mr. Peebles as follows : — 

" I am a stranger to you, but not you to me. My name is Aaron Nite. My birth- 
place is Yorkshire, England. I departed this life when nineteen, and have been in the 
spirit-world about one hundred and seventy years. No fame attached itself to my 
career; but my ancestors were in high repute. My brother, Rev. J^mes Knight, was a 
distinguished clergyman of the English Church. Some time hereafter, I will tell you of 
my beautiful surroundings, — of the River Ouse, St. Mary's Abbey, York Minster, the old 
rocks, lawns, and hunting-grounds. 

" We have at last brought about this meeting of yourself and medium. Organically, 
he is mediumistic. His tricks and athletic exercises were aided by spirits on his plane. 
Through the psychological power of Prof. Stearns, he was thrown into our sphere; and 
we have now a partial control. He is susceptible of great improvement. "We place him 
in your care. Be a father and elder brother to him on the earthly side; educate him; 
lift him up: he will stand by you in old age; and many blessings will return to you." 

After this, a beloved sister of the medium, who departed when he was 
an infant, took possession of him, manifesting the tenderest joy, and 
with whispered words, set to poetry, so soft and melting, pleaded with 
Mr. Peebles to be a faithful guardian to her " dear brother." Such per- 



"THY SINS ARE FORGIVEN THEE!" 67 

suasion ! such tearful pity ! such solicitude and faith ! coming from 
heaven as the summer sun to wintry hopes ! Then and there, in the 
presence of those ministering spirits, Mr. Peebles solemnly pledged 
himself to be to the young man a friend, a brother, a father, under all 
circumstances, confident, as they averred, that he had the ingermed 
elements of a superior mediumship and manhood. 

Soon after this happy interview, Mr. Peebles's moral fortitude was 
put to a test. Obsessing influences, generated by evil habits, ab- 
sorbed the medium's very life-blood. He was reckless. Many a 
time did this " spiritual father " sigh and weep over those unful- 
filled promises ; till, at length, he entered serious complaints against 
the spirits having the medium in charge, declaring, that, " were I a 
spirit, I would compel this young man to desist from such practices ! " 
Then, in one of those deep trances, Mr. Peebles would get a lecture 
that always made him ashamed of his own littleness and want of 
charity and of faith in God. Those wise, calm angels would say to 
him, — 

"Remember, Friend Peebles, how much better have been your associations in life 
than those of this young man. Had your lot been cast in the same channel as his, over 
which you could have had no control, consider what might now be your character. He 
has his failings in one direction, and you yours in another direction. Who shall judge 
between you, as to moral worth ? Measure his early advantages : measure yours. Are 
your garments all clean and white ? Were your eyes open, you would discover as great 
distinction between an angel's robe and yours, as between yours and the medium's. 
Though you should sink into pollution, we will never forsake you. If you would have 
an angel lead you, be an angel to this young man." 

Such lectures, so beautifully variegated, melted the proud man to a 
meditative silence, awakening the holier emotions of the soul ; when 
he would rise from such communion a wiser and better man. 

When conscious of being in the wrong, that his complaints were 
self-righteous, that he had caused distress by hasty remarks, his sor- 
row was deep ; and no peace could he find, till his arms were around 
the neck of his boy, in mutual, tearful forgiveness. 

One -night, being at Hastings, Mich., in the beautiful home of Dr. 
Russell, the medium became clairvoyant. Far in the distance, he 
saw a star of intense brilliancy, magnifying and approaching him. 
"When nearer, it widened out in the form of a cross with golden and 
silvery colors, held in the hands of an Italian spirit, who gave his 
name as Perasee Lendanta, and threw a magnetic, flowering wreath 
around their necks, saying, — 



68 THE SPIEITUAL PILGEIM. 

'•' In this, we emblemize the soul-sympathy uniting spiritual father and son in a life- 
long fellowship. Walk hand in hand, thus encircled, and nothing shall separate you." 

When a mortal, or immortal, is quickened for a higher life, the con- 
sciousness of defect is most painful. The holiest angels have a soul- 
agony inexpressible, when they discover in their affections the least 
stain ; and rest not till it is bleached out by reform. Light only re- 
veals darkness. So with our " chosen vessel." Heavenly inspira- 
tions burned down into his soul, awakening a moral torture, followed 
by weeping. 

" O Mr. Peebles ! " he would say, " I am a poor, miserable devil, 
not fit to be associated with you : your loftiness of character shames 
me." Then a warm hand grasped his, and another rested in benedic- 
tion upon his head, with words so like the man, " No, my Char- 
lie, not a devil : you are my brother. Your tears are tests of virtue 
and capacity." 

"There are poems unwritten, and songs unsung, 
Sweeter than any that ever were heard, — 
Poems that wait for an angel tongue, 
Songs that but long for a paradise bird. 

Poems that ripple through lowliest lives, 

Poems unnoted, and hidden away 
Down in souls, where the beautiful thrives 

Sweetly as flowers in the airs of May. 

Poems that only the angels above us, 
Looking down deep in our hearts may behold; 

Felt, though unseen, by the beings who love us, 
Written on lives all in letters of gold." 

The following private letter to young Dunn, written about this 
period of his spiritual growth, is an index of paternal care and affec- 
tion, breathing sentiments most encouraging to us all : — 

" My dear Brother, — For some reason, unknown to myself, I feel inspired to write you 
this morning. Nothing else can I think of. This thought comes to my mind : the certainty 
of success if Coupled with effort, and directed by wisdom. You or I may choose any honor- 
able calling in life, and we are certain of success, though that success maybe reached 
only through poverty and thorny paths. Eogers, Cfanmer, Ridley, Latimer, reached their 
success through a martyr's fire; Jesus, through the tears of Gethsemane to the crown 
of thorns; Howard, and Payne, the author of the song, ' Home, sweet Home,' through 
persecution and poverty. Often what we, in our childishness, call success, is defeat. 
Ease, wealth, luxury,.. praise, flattery, are all guide-boards. on the road of defeat, and 



"THY SINS ARE FORGIVEN THEE!" 69 

sometimes disgrace added thereto. Were there no ocean-storms, there would be no skill- 
ful sailors. One of the grandest truths Jesus uttered to his discouraged disciples is this: 
' He that would lose his life shall save it.' You may have often asked yourself: ' Shall I 
succeed ? ' If you do not, with your exalted spirit-circle, the fault will be entirely your 
own. No power in the universe can put me down but myself. Enemies can never de- 
feat us. They often benefit us, by holding up our faults to public gaze : thus seeing 
them, they disgust us ; and we forsake the wrong. The worst real enemies we have are 
within our own non-unfolded natures. Hence, he that conquers himself is greater in the 
eyes of angels than he who conquers cities, or wears kingly crowns. Accordingly, what 
are frequently termed defeats are eternal victories, and are so registered in heaven. 
Saplings would like to be oaks, without the pressure of wintry winds or snows. I have 
wished to stand on John's plane, without treading the rugged road of study, effort, and 
self-sacrifice that have made him an angel ; but how childish the wish ! Your dear angel- 
guide, you know: in me, too, you will ever find a brother's hand, a brother's heart, and a 
brother's love, joying in your joys, and weeping in your tears. Added to these, my 
soul's desire is, that you may ever have the approbation of your own conscience in every 
thought, plan, deed, act. 

" Yes, Charlie, you will certainly succeed in every worthy undertaking of life. Every 
good deed done, every virtuous and beautiful seed sown, will surely germinate and 
ripen. I shall succeed, even though I walk through peril, poverty, and persecution. 
Then let us take heart, and be happy. ' We walk the wilderness to-day ; the promised 
land to-morrow.' "Good-morning, brother, 

"J. M. Peebles." 

When it was generally known that Mr. Peebles had chosen young 
Dunn for his traveling companion in the ministry, there was a great 
cry against him in fashionable circles : " Your master eateth with 
publicans and sinners ! " The Orthodox spoke of it very eloquently, 
trying to weep big tears, but failed, saying, — 

" What a shame ! — Well, he's a Spiritualist ! the legitimate fruits 
of his teachings, — scapegoats and harlots for company ! " 

Even some of his own friends, catching the contagion, apprehen- 
sive that Spiritualism might re-act into disgrace, warned and 
entreated him, " not to make so much of that medium." His prompt 
reply was, — 

" I am pledged to stand by him till death ; and all the powers in 
earth and hell can not sever this sympathy." 

How beautiful is justice ! This pupil began a new life. His 
angel-guides, so prudent, warned him, mortified him, baffled him in 
his impolitic schemes, strengthened him by adversities, through a 
bitter experience led him higher. Under the fostering care of his 
" elder brother," with spirit-light burning in his heart, he girded 
himself, redeeming and redeemed from dissipation, to be a swift 
herald of the angels' gospel ; then apprehension became admiration ; 
and Mr. Peebles at last was honored for his long-suffering charity, 



70 THE SPIRITUAL PILGRIM. 

which " thinketh no evil," and " endureth all things." Those faith- 
ful spirits say so feelingly to Mr. Peebles, " The crowning act of your 
life is the redemption of this young man." 

" The shaken tree grows faster at the root; 
And love grows firmer for some blasts of doubt." 

For many weary years, Mr. Peebles had been sickly, and was 
pronounced by the physicians as of short life. One of his lungs 
nearly wasted away, leaving a large cavity in his chest to this day. 
He spat blood quite profusely at times. Consumption set her red 
signet upon him. But, when those healing spirits reached him, they 
turned his dial back more than ten degrees, and promised him " a 
long and trying pilgrimage." 

A few years prior to this event, the spirit of the veritable Pow- 
hattan, of the early history of Virginia, visited Mr. Peebles, through 
the mediumship of a lady in Albion, Mich., and thereby kept him 
posted in the Indian wars, four or five weeks ere the news appeared 
in the journals. In due time, he promised to find another medium. 
One evening, he suddenly rang the war-whoop through young Dunn, 
identifying his name and history, saying, — 

" Me promise you medie : me come now ! " 

Powhattan is always full of life, wit, and frolic ; delights to picture 
the spirit hunting-grounds ; warms into fervid eloquence, when 
speaking of the Indian's forgiveness for the wrongs of the whites. 
Such fun, " big talk," and " shaking up " magnetically, were verily 
a balm of G-ilead to Mr. Peebles. Dr. Willis, formerly an eminent 
physician of Brooklyn, N.Y., and Dr. Schwailbach of Germany, 
celebrated in his time, are also in this healing circle ; and, through 
their art, his lungs were comparatively restored, and his whole 
system renovated into electric action. 

The medium had been accustomed to fits even before Prof. Stearns 
psychologized him : these Powhattan effectually cured. Whenever 
either of them was sick or exhausted, this Indian, duly commissioned 
in the spirit-world for this purpose, was always ready to direct and 
find the right remedies. By association with these medical spirits, 
the medium was developed to be a successful healer ; when they 
honored him with the title of " Dr. E. C. Dunn," duly diplomatized 
in the medical schools of the spirit-world. Powhattan had control of 
the medicine-bags, and used the doctor's right hand (in a trance- 



"THY SINS ARE FORGIVEN THEE!" 71 

state) to select the right kind of medicine, giving Mr. Peebles 
directions in preparing it for the patient. The woods, fields, and 
gardens were their laboratories. 

" The silent ministers of healing crowd 
About the broken heart and spirit bowed, 
To stay the bleeding with immortal balm, 
And still the cries with wings of blessed calm ; 
Out of the old death make the new life spring, 
Our earthly, buried hopes take bomeward wing; 
And, to each blinding tear that dimmed our sight, 
They give a starrier self, — a spirit of light." 

Powhattan named Mr. Peebles "Preach." One night he was 
quite ill ; when this Indian, always on the alert, ordered medicine. 

" Take times (three fingers), once great dark " (midnight).. 

Mr. Peebles objected, stating he could not wake at that hour. 

" Me risk," was the reply : " me wake you," ordering him to put 
his watch on the table. 

Just at midnight broke forth a voice, " Preach ! Preach ! ! up get : 
time by the tick thing." 

Rousing, he at first thought he had been dreaming ; when it spoke 
again in his wakeful consciousness, — 

" Up get, Preach ! tick thing, time up. Preach ! " 

Taking the medicine in hand, he drank a toast to the faithful spirit, 
and in a moment was locked in 

" Nature's sweet restorer, balmy sleep." 

During the healing and lecturing peregrinations, the uniform 
custom was, after retiring, to entrance the medium. " Be not dis- 
turbed," said the spirits : " we know our own business." Perfectly 
entranced, an invisible silver chord flickering over the silent body, 
Mr. Peebles holding the pulseless hand, deeply anxious lest death 
might rob its tenant, the spirits, taking the medium to lower planes, 
would teach him lessons of warning, and thence higher, into medical 
temples, instruct him in the laws of spiritual science and better 
modes of healing. 

The true spiritual teacher is a physician of souls. The leaf is 
nourished by the root ; so is the spirit-world by our healthful con- 
ditions. The body is the crystal of spirit. Heal at the life-springs. 
Bring the balm of an angel's love. This healing band, in cases of 



72 THE SPIRITUAL PILGRIM. 

obsession, scattered the dark influences, regenerated the self-aban- 
doned, brought wandering spirits into light. Being at Port Huron, 
Mich., Mr. Peebles was introduced to Dr. Hawkins, healing spirit 
for Dr. S. D. Pace, a successful physician, who purposely per- 
mitted several suicides to control him, that Mr. Peebles might address 
them from the earthly side to which they gravitated. With words 
of hope, tenderly he alluded to their early days under the paternal 
roof, to the moral uses of temptation resisted, closing with these 
words, " If you would be angels, you must seek to make others 
angels." They listened ; and how hallowed was their joy ! 

The curative agencies for obsession are thus happily delineated by 
Mr. Peebles in one of his late pen-productions, — 

"Kindness and firmness, aspiration and self-reliance, pleasant physical, social, and 
mental surroundings, with gentle harmonizing magnetic influences from circles of 
exalted spirits, through noble, pure-minded media, — these are the remedies. Speak to 
the obsessing intelligences as men, brothers, sisters, friends ; reason with them as mem- 
bers of a common Father's family; and at the same time, demagnetizing the subject, 
bring a healthier, purer magnetism, and calmer, higher, and more elevating influences 
to the patient's relief. This was Jesus' method: it should be ours." 

Powhattan, once a fierce warrior, was converted to peace prin- 
ciples in the spirit-world. He was at first very shy of the whites, 
retaining a strong antipathy for many years. Occasionally, William 
Penn, with his benignant face, with form so beautiful, crossed his 
path on those " hunting-grounds ; " but his selfish resolution not to 
speak to him was at length conquered by so much sweetness of 
sphere. Penn all this while was seeking to reach his heart, " so 
incased in the vestment of blood." Powhattan listened to his words, 
felt their love, was softened and converted ; since which time, he has 
ever endeavored to inspire Indians with love of peace among them- 
selves and the whites. Every 4th of July, the day when first he 
revealed himself to Mr. Peebles, he wished to celebrate the advent of 
universal peace with him and his medium, and such other spirits 
and earthly friends as chose to be there. They used to assemble in 
the woods, engage in solemn worship ; Powhattan addressing the 
" red brethren " in the Indian dialect, and Mr. Peebles the " pale 
faces " in English. The first celebration of the kind was held near 
Leonidas, Mich. ; where about forty citizens commingled their orisons 
with those of a host of Indians gathered from the spirit country in 
peace council. These were memorable anniversaries, ever fraught 
with subdued inspiration, bringing the sympathizing whites nearer 
the brotherly heart of the lone Indian. 



CHAPTER VIII. 

EL DORADO. 

" Weary souls 
By thee have heen led up unto the fountains 
"Whence the deep tide of living waters flow, 
And into that fair light of heavenly truth 
Which like a hlessed rainhow spans the future, 
And bridges all the dark abyss of death. " — Fanny Green. 

•> 

Nearly four years of toil in Battle Creek, each widening in in- 
fluence, when the spirits advised a change of climate, to recuperate 
his wasted health. "Whither?" was the question. "California," 
was the response. That land had long haunted him. '" Go I must," 
was his resolute talk. 

Upon the temporary suspension of his pastoral relations with the 
u Free Church," resolutions were passed, speaking of him as " a 
true teacher," having " purity of life and honesty of purpose ; " 
and prayers were breathed upon him amid tears that welled up from 
many hearts. 

" The JefFersonian," a secular paper of Battle Creek, thus noticed his 
departure : — 

" While we part with him, it is our desire to say, that few better persons are found in y' 
this mundane sphere than Mr. Peebles and his amiable lady ; for we know that this reso- 
lution on their part will effect a vacancy in our midst quite hard to be filled." 

During his absence, his desk was supplied by such personages as 
Warren Chase, Benj. Todd, Bell Scougal, F. L. Wadsworth, of 
whose labors he spoke with grateful credit. 

Amid farewells and waving of handkerchiefs, he embarked for 
California, on New Year's, 1860, in steamer u Ariel." 

Ocean and island scenery invigorated him. When sea-sick, the an- 
gels visited him. He said in a letter to " Clark's Spiritual Clarion," — 

73 



74 - THE SPIRITUAL PILGRIM. 

" Whilst suffering from sea-sickness, I felt my spirit-friends continually around me; 
and how delightful the delicate touches of their fingers upon my forehead; their impres- 
sions how calming ! 

" Crossing the isthmus of Panama, ideally reveling amid those groves of lemons, 
cocoas, and palms, I coasted the Pacific, recalling the words of Shelley, — 

" ' My soul is an enchanted boat, 

Which, like a sleeping swan, doth float 
Upon the silver waves of thy sweet singing; 

And thine doth like an angel sit 

Beside the heini, conducting it.' " 

At San Francisco, he made himself known to Rev. A. C. Ed- 
munds, editor of " The Star of the Pacific " (Universalist), who repre- 
sented him as a " Universalist-Unitarian-Spiritualist," with enco- 
miums as follows : — 

" Mr. J. M. Peebles, of Battle Creek, Mich., arrived in San Francisco on the 25th ult. 
(March, 1861), and is now temporarily tarrying in Sacramento. We bid him welcome to 
California. He comes among us, not as the bearer of parchments from ecclesiastical 
associations, but as one divinely commissioned by the Father to speak the truth accord- 
ing to the measure of his understanding, imparted by the Spirit and the inspiration 
which the Fountain of Good has given to every man. We admire the platform of 
Brother Peebles, believing that every man should think and act for himself. 

" Bound to no party, to no sect confined, 
The world our home, our brethren all mankind : 
Love truth, do good, be just and fair with all; 
Exalt the right, though every ism fall." 

Among the friends that greeted him, there were Judge Robinson, 
Senator E. H. Burton, V. B. Post and family ; Fanny Green, the 
poetess, who addressed him burning words of encouragement in his 
reforms ; and T. Starr King, the patriot and spiritualistic Unita- 
rian, received him with heart warm as the baptism of that tropical 
clime. 

Mr. Peebles wrote several valuable articles for " The Star of the 
Pacific," in which he gave spiritual interpretation to biblical lore, for 
the benefit of the Universalist community, with a view of convert- 
ing some to "a knowledge of the truth ; " and was also a correspond- 
ent of A. J. Davis's " Herald of Progress," in which he reported his 
spiritual experiences in California. Seeing the favorable notices in 
" The Star," the Universalist papers of the Atlantic States reported 
him " as preaching Universalism in California ! " " The Chicago 
New Covenant " (D. P. Livermore) noticed him thus : — 



EL DORADO. 75 

"Kev. J. M. Peebles, of Battle Creek, Mich., formerly of our communion, and now 
advocating a phase of Spiritualism that in no way conflicts with Universalism, is to 
leave for California in November or December. He will probably locate at Sacramento. 
His first object is health: that restored, he will resume preaching." 

" The Universalist Companion," a statistical pamphlet, said, — 

" The Eev. J. M. Peebles was preaching Universalist sentiments in San Francisco, by 
last advices." 

This insult, " by last advices" Mr. Peebles reviewed in a letter 
to " The Ambassador." 

" Advices and reports are unreliable just in the ratio of individual negligence and 
depravity. The millennium will be near when advices are coi'rect, and men report what 
they positively know. . . . The phrase, ' preaching Universalist sentiments ' is correct, 
allowing the Protestant's privilege of private judgment and free expression. So do Uni- 
tarians proclaim ' Universalist sentiments; ' so do most of the Swedenborgian clergy; so 
do lecturers upon the Harmonial Philosophy ; so do all spiritualistic mediums, whether 
normal or abnormal ; so does Henry Ward Beecher, when in his highest and happiest 
pulpit moments : and what of it ? Simply this : It demonstrates the moral growth of the 
race, and a general tendency of the thinking masses to embrace broader theological 
views, touching the attributes of God, the administration of the divine government, the 
soul's educational capacity, and the final destination of humanity; and certainly no 
enlightened Christian gentleman, especially of the liberal school, would forbid the cast- 
ing out of devils; i.e., the evils and errors of old sectarian theology, though under 
other names than the one he may have seen fit to adopt." 

Seeing favorable notices in Universalist papers, certain Spiritual- 
ists alleged he had renounced Spiritualism ; and he drew the sword 
also on such. Writing " The Herald of Progress," he said, — 

" Supposing I had, the sun would shine, the stars glisten, the world move, — truth 
would be truth, and bigots bigoted. No ! I have not renounced Spiritualism, Universal- 
ism, Unitarianism, Quakerism, or rather the truths that underlie them: for each symbol- 
izes a central truth ; and all truths manifest the harmonic law of unity. Octave notes 
do not jar; nor does unripe fruit contradict the mellowed fruitage of autumn. There 
are a few one-idea, one-sided ' Spiritualists,' who can perceive no truth in the universe, 
unless christened Spiritualism; and they seem to think themselves heaven -appointed 
watchmen, to gruffly growl around, and guard their imperfectly-conceived notion of 
that ' ism? It becomes a ' hobby ; ' and they ride the poor thing hoofless. I would as soon 
accept the teachings of Pius IX., or sectarian churchdom, as authoritative, as commu- 
nications from spirits. . . . Every thinker, given to meditation, will discriminate 
between use and abuse. To affirm there have been no abuses, no ' froth nor scum,' under 
the name of Spiritualism, manifests not oniy a most deplorable ignorance and imbe- 
cility, but the very quintessence of impudence. ... I am indebted to spirit intercourse 
for my knowledge — I say knowledge — of immortality, the location of the spirit-world, 
the condition of the immortalized, the occupation of the loved gone before, and their 
progressing toward the infinite. Those love-messages that have greeted me from the 
thither side of death's peaceful river, I cherish above all price, and shall till I reach the 



76 THE SPIRITUAL PILGRIM. 

sunny shore of that 'island home.' Still, I can be the exponent of no ism, to the ex- 
clusion of other and all great reforms that begin to glow upon the brow of this illustri- 
ous age." 

Nor was Mr. Peebles exempt from the missiles of slander in Cali- 
fornia. Envy follows the brave. Those of shaky reputations are 
anxious to pull others down to their own level. " That red-mouthed 
Irishman," as Capt. Soule of Sacramento termed him, who ped- 
dled the story, was forced to sign a paper, certifying he had libeled 
Mr. Peebles. Since returning to the States, Mr. Peebles has re- 
gretted that he did not compel two or three pseudo-Spiritualists to do 
the same. Every attempt of this kind to put him down has re-acted 
upon the guilty parties. Virtue needs never be disturbed. Slander is 
its own advertisement. Henry Ward Beecher says, "He who 
stops to kick at a barking cur delays his own progress." 

Those times, California was Hades descended. People found 
themselves there. The " New-England Puritan churchite " donned 
his " Mokanna veil." That tropical clime quickened the animal in- 
stincts, chilled by Northern conventionalities, as burning sands do 
crocodiles' eggs. But what of our brother there ? The same re- 
former. Commissioned a district deputy of the Good Templars, he 
stormed the strongholds of Bacchus. The " Dashaways " felt the 
force of his arrows. He culled truths and beauties from caves, 
mines, mountains, extinct volcanoes, mammoth trees, waterfalls, ther- 
mal springs, &c. Traveling in coaches, steamers, and on mules' backs, 
among representatives from all human races, he lectured all up and 
down those mountain fastnesses ; and his trumpet voice seems to be 
re-echoing in San Francisco, Sacramento, Petaluma, Santa Rosa, 
Sonora, Santa Cruz, San Jose, Stockton, Montezuma, Jacksonville, 
Columbia, Auburn, Eldorado, Clarksville, Folsom, and other cities, 
villages, and mining districts. Speaking of his strange experiences 
there, he writes, — 

" I have slept under the nightly sky, and the roofs of almost palatial mansions ; have 
collected specimens for a choice cabinet ; have descended into mining-shafts ; visited vine- 
yards, one, Col. Haraszthy's, containing five hundred acres, with three hundred and fif- 
ty thousand vines ; and roamed amid the ruins of old adobe cathedrals, erected by the 
Spaniards long prior to the gold discoveries. I have met scores of noble souls ; in brief, 
have been blamed and blessed, occasionally 'damned,' and quite often enough deified. 
Such is pilgrim life. Lights and shadows are indispensable to pictures. Our enemies 
work by inverse methods, to benefit us. Joseph's brethren, meaning evil, made him a 
hero. Perfection precludes progression ; and yet we ever meet self- voted saints, who, in 



EL DORADO. 77 

their ' imputed righteousness ' and excessive piety, are apt, as Artemas Ward says, to 
lop over.'' To wit, a Tuolumne County editor, in October last, complimented me thus 
highly : — 

' A long-bearded, cracked-brained fellow, calling himself Peebles, has been edifying 
our citizens upon the new-fangled philosophy, that men sprang from trilobites and tad- 
poles; that ghosts range the earth, muttering through mediums; and that the salvation 
of the soul comes by lifting one's self upwards, regardless of the grace of God, the blood 
of the Lord Jesus, and church ordinances. . . . Such doctrines can only demoralize. 
Has not Stockton Lunatic Asylum recently lost an inmate? ' " 

Being invited to lecture near the foot-hills of the Nevadas, — the 
mining town about ten miles distant, — he adjusted his carpet-sack, 
nomadic style, and, mounting a mule, off he rode in such dignity ! his 
feet dangling nearly to the ground, his long hair streaming out be- 
hind in wizard confusion ; and his whole appearance so provokingly 
ludicrous, the miners shouted after him, " There goes old Pilgrim's 
Progress ! — old Pilgrim's Progress on a donkey ! " 

A few extracts from private letters to confiding friends are the 
openings of an El Dorado in his very soul : — 

"Sacramento, July 25, 1861. 
. . . " On the 4th of July, I delivered an oration in Yolo City, and made the Seces- 
sionists quite angry. Yet I do not justify the war. I am opposed to all war. It brutal- 
izes men and nations, and places alow estimate on human life ; arouses a degrading mar- 
tial spirit in our children ; inspires our youth to employ fire-arms ; creates standing 
armies ; increases taxation ; rushes thousands prematurely into the spirit-world, to say 
nothing of the widows' groans and orphans' tears. . . . All bloody wars are wrong; only 
dogs and animal men delight in blood, battle, and death. The devil can not cast out 
devils." 

" Columbia, Cal., Nov. 12, 1861. 
. . . . " My California life is strange. Hundreds of miles among the mountain ranges 
have I wended my way on a Spanish horse, dispensing words of truth to the moun- 
taineers, sometimes not paid one cent, and then again fairly remunerated. In Sonora, 
they called me the ' Prince of Fools.' So goes the world with the reformer. . . Only a 
few weeks since, I talked with a learned Chinaman upon theology and the sacred books 
of the Chinese. His name is Le Can. He made me ashamed of our boasted American 
civilization and religion, when we claim, as we have, that it is so superior to the an- 
cients. I feel that I must travel in Oriental lands, to learn the rudiments of Spiritual- 
ism." 

" Clarksville, Cal., Dec. 17, 1861. 
u My Brother, A. Smith : Thy very welcome epistle of September reached me after 
five weeks. It was thankfully received, and perused with a greedy gusto ; for a friendly 
letter from a friend and brother is ever a wellspring of pleasure to my soul. Nellie's 
was also excellent, bearing the marks of inspiration, both celestial and terrestrial. My 
good letters I tie up in a package with a ribbon, noAV soiled with frequent handlings ; and, 
during these long evenings, I untie and re-peruse them, and, for the time, live with loved 
ones far away: and my affectionate nature, tuned sensitively as the wind-lute, alter- 



78 THE SPIRITUAL PILGRIM. 

nately weeps or smiles. Human hearts are little known. Only the Infinite can sound 
their deeps of bitterness, count their pain-throbs, plumb their wells of agony. Man is a 
strange entity. He only partially comprehends himself and his surroundings. Had 
you looked hither the 9th of December, three o'clock, p.m., you would have seen me 
in the city of Sacramento, numbering sixteen or eighteen thousand, upon a housetop, 
with the water rapidly approaching the edges of the shingles. There were twenty-two 
persons in the upper chamber. The whole city was flooded, the water ranging from 
four to twelve feet deep, caused by a three-days' rain and the bursting away of mill- 
dams, embankments, levees, &c. A million and a half of property and some lives were 
lost. My trunk, with contents, was submerged two days. I lost all my books and nearly 
all of my manuscripts, lectures, &c, with a part of my clothes. But I have my head 
left me, and good health ; so it will all end well. It made me a little sad for a few days. 
Oh, the charms of home and loved friends! A ranger in - foreign lands appreciates 
such. Well said the poet, — 

' Take the bright shell from its home on the lea, 
And, wherever it goes, it will sing of the sea: 
So take the fond heart from its home and its hearth, 
'Twill sing of the loved to the ends of the earth.' 

" I feel that my mission to this country has not been in vain. 

" I know that I have made some souls glad. . . . Poor Mrs. Munson (the trance-speaker 
here), how much she suffered from slanderous tongues! She has since married Dr. 
Webber, and retired. Sorrowingly the poet sings, — 

' Many a friendship has been broken, 
Many a family's peace o'erthrown, 
Many a bitter word been spoken, 
By the slander-loving tongue.' " 

Already the angels had taken to their heavenly nurseries the three 
undeveloped buds of our pilgrim, too frail to blossom on earthly 
soil. In that home at Battle Creek was weeping over broken links, 
as if tears might possibly weld them ; but when the angels, returning, 
told the disappointed parents about the matronly spirits nursing and 
educating their children, — that from the sacred moment of incarna- 
tion, when generative principles blend, a child is immortal, — a sweeter 
sunlight dusted all the soul's dark drapery with living gold. But 
what is home without an earthly angel in it? They thought an 
adopted child might live. " Louie,'' as he was tenderly called, was 
the precious gift of Rev. J. R. Sage, a dearly-beloved Universalist min- 
ister. Whilst recuperating in California, news came that this boy 
had suddenly passed to the spirit-world. It struck a tremor through 
his whole being, giving it a silent polarity heavenward. For the 
moment, he complained. 

" Oh, I loved Louie ! " said he. 



EL DORADO. 79 

" So did we," was the reply of the angel. 

" But he was necessary to my happiness." 

" So he was to others." 

" I had superior claims." 

" You think so, brother? Where is your philosophy in the supe- 
riority of the spiritual over the material ? " 

" I could have made him spiritual here." 

" Suppose it be proved that Louie's departure is a mutual and 
eternal blessing ? " 

" But I loved him from my soul's depths." 

*' No doubt you did : the angels, however, loving him better, trans- 
planted him into their heavenly gardens. 

' The angels have need of these youthful buds 
In their gardens so fair: 
They graft them on immortal stems, 
To bloom for ever there. ' " 

"Well, I go mourning over the world, now that Louie is gone." 
" Go mourning, O philosopher ! to render him and you more 
unhappy? So many beautiful buds, flowering out on the immortal 
shore to prepare a paradise for you? So unhappy over it, child?" 

This spiritual interview calmed him to a star-like silence, sweet as 
the night-rest. Hear what he says in letters to friends, and note how 
the angel rules the human at the saddest of losses : — 

"Sacramento, Cal., March, 1861. 

" Dear Mrs. Brown, ... I am sad, oh, so sad and tearful, to-night, Frances ! None, 
however, see my tears. There may be something of pride in this ; but I long ago re- 
solved that no shadow upon my face should ever filch the sunshine from others. Why 
sad, do you ask? Aye, last week's mail brought the tidings of the severe sickness and 
departure to the better land of our darling Louis, — a precious bud, transplanted to 
bloom in the garden of God. Oh, how I pity my poor wife ! Lonely must she be with- 
out the echoes of his dancing feet, and the lyric cadence of his voice. He was a prom- 
ising, a beautiful child of hardly ten summers, and the very idol of our hearts. 

" This deep affliction will weigh heavily upon my wife. I shall hasten home on her 
account. Home ! how many sweet associations cluster around the endearing word ! 
Put me in my library-room, and I'm happy; and yet, dearly as I love books, family, 
home, and home-comforts, a divine voice is ever saying to me, ' Go forth, — go among all 
nations ; preaching the ministry of spirits, and the principles of the Spiritual Philos- 
ophy.' . . . 

" Though gifted in intellect, Frances, you are equally sympathetic, and will readily 
understand the sorrow that will come over me like a cloud upon crossing my threshold 
in Battle Creek, — my wife glad to welcome me, gratified with my improved health, but 
mourning for Louis. It is all well. He has gone to join and become a companion of our 



80 THE SPIRITUAL PILGRIM. 

own three dear little ones, who left the mortal ere earth's ills had tinged the gossamer of 
their spirit-garments with a single stain. Angels are their teachers ; progress their eter- 
nal destiny. Oh, how blessed is Spiritualism in all the trying scenes of life ! Would I 
had a thousand tongues to tell its glories and sing its praises ! To its promulgation under 
the inspiration of a circling band of spirits, I have consecrated my powers, dedicated my 
life. So have you, and many, many, other noble souls. 

" Deeply do I sympathize with reform- workers, lecturers, and media, negative and 
sensitized from the heavens. Oftentimes their sorrows are many, their joys few. Beau- 
tiful are the crowns that await them in the glorious hereafter. 

"Were it not for the feeble health of my wife, and sudden departure of Louis, I 
should remain here at least a year, and do earnest missionary work in behalf of Spirit- 
ualism. I am stopping in an excellent family, Victor B. Post's ; the spirits have named 
them 'Peace and Harmony.' These, with many other dear friends, entreat me to re- 
main another year; but duty calls me home. 

" I must tell you, by the way, that I have formed the acquaintance of Mrs. Eliza W. 
Farnham; met her in the lunatic asylum, Stockton, California. She is the matron; 
and her brilliant, solid intellect, boundless benevolence, and deep comprehension of prin- 
ciples, charmed me. During several evenings, she read from unpublished volumes she is 
preparing, — read me select passages from Walt Whitman's 'Leaves of Grass,' and 
several European poets. She told me she delivered the first lecture upon Spiritualism 
ever given in California. She spoke highly of you, Mary F. Davis, and others of her 
sex laboring for woman and the great interests of reform. And, only think, — little, 
anxious, jealous souls, hardly worthy to unloose her shoe-latches, have tried to traduce 
this great, noble woman. Blessings upon her ! I'm proud I ever clasped her hand, a 
prelude to abiding friendship." 

" Petoluma, Cal., Jan. 15, '62. 

" Dear Charlie, — Accept my thanks for the love-message sent me from ' Louie ' 
through you. Oh, the dear pet child, how I want to clasp him to my bosom upon my 
return home ! You know, Charlie, that I am enthusiastic in my love nature ; loving 
not only children, but music, flowers, and friends, almost to distraction. 

"The news of Louie's leaving the earth-life almost overcame me at first. I was 
not prepared for it; for I had just been to a mountain-village, by stage, to preach a 
funeral sermon, and had gatherings in my ears, making me nearly sick: but I was sus- 
tained by two spirits, and made to feel that it was not only right, but ' all for the best,'' 
as my dear brother Nite says. I have heard from him through J. V. Mansfield of Boston. 
Accept my thanks for the promise that I shall hear from Louie often through you. It 
will cheer me in my lonely pilgrimage along the Pacific coast." 



CHAPTER IX. 

THE CHAIN OF PEARLS AND SPIRIT BANDS. 

" Have ye heard, have ye heard, of the angel of love, 
Who, with glory of princess and grace of a dove, 
Leaves her seraph abode in the sunsets of even, 
Gathering pearls on earth for crowns in heaven, — 

Have ye heard of this angel of love ? " — Spiritual Pilgrim. 

" The mortal world may be divided, but the nobility of intellect of the spirit-world is 
one." — Hudson Tuttle. 

Many a spirit outside of Mr. Peebles's band had promised him 
great things, — decking his pathway with prophetic flowers. The 
intention may be as pure as a little child's, that brings us the roses 
without the thorns ; but it indicates that such ministration is un- 
schooled in the moralizing rudiments of adversity, and unreliable. A 
flattering spirit, so far from being a guide, should be guided. 

About a year and six months in California, and Mr. Peebles re- 
turned to Battle Creek, greatly recuperated, and was received with 
hearty welcome. Absence only strengthened the bonds of fellowship. 

When he stepped upon the stand to renew his ministerial labors, 
amid so many smiling faces, the choir sung two original songs, com- 
posed by Mrs. D. M. Brown, reviewing the departure and return : — 

" We would welcome thee, our brother, — 

Welcome thee from o'er the sea ; 
From the perils and the trials 

That we know attended thee. 
And we come, we come, to greet thee, 

Safe returned from distant lands; 
Feeling thy inspiring presence 

Binds us close in friendship's bands. 
And we love, we love, to welcome, 

Welcome thee from distant lands." 

It was a thrilling moment. The words and the music of " wel- 
come" and " response" changed thought to heart ; and heart was in 
the hand of greeting to their dear pastor. 

6 81 



82 THE SPIRITUAL PILGRIM. 

"When once more put in direct communication with the . spirits, 
through his long-tried medium, he felt confident that the way would 
open more propitiously. Thus far, he had battled for a certain at- 
tainment of spirituality, so often required by his heavenly guards. 
Now that his health had improved, he sanguinely asked them if 
the life-line would not be straighter, drawing him nearer a sunny ex- 
perience. 

" I have been to California," he added, " under your approval ; 
have done my work there ; have a more practical appreciation of 
human needs ; have returned, as you see, quite vigorous and full of 
faith, — what say you now? are not matters more promising? " 

Perasee had mentally forecast the trial-scenes rising in view, and 
showed them to his brother Nite, then speaker for the silent band : — 

"No, friend Peebles," said Mr. Nite, " your pathway is begirt with thorns, and jagged 
rocks will pierce your feet : your horoscope just before us is rough and stormy. We 
throw around your neck a chain of pearls, — pearls which reflect your life, your plans, 
thoughts, purposes, deeds. All things are dual. These spiritually reflect your outer 
life, as your spiritual sensorium reflects your inner life. Symbolically, you are chained 
by these beautiful pearls. 

" A lady friend of yours, clad in robes of purity, known among us as ' Queen of 
Morn,' and in your world as 'Madame Elizabeth,' sister of Louis XVI. of France, 
from this chain, which I put around your neck, has suspended a cross, indicative of 
trials and crucifixions in your pilgrimage. But be of good cheer, you shall overcome, 
and every sorrow will give fragrance to the bud that blossoms over your heart." 

Not many months after, Madame d'Obeney, a celebrated traveler 
and Spiritualist, met Mr. Peebles in the East, and surprised him 
with a gift, significant of the pearls mentioned by the spirits, con- 
sisting of a string of beads, carved from the wood of an olive-tree 
that grew on Mt. Olivet, in the very garden of Gethsemane, where 
Jesus had his " strong crying and tears." He then had a cross 
made, after the pattern shown by the spirits, — the front of it of 
beautiful pearl, the back of pure gold, on which were engraved the 
names of spirits in his band : — 

Lorenzo Peebles. Hosea Ballou. 

Cana. Mozart. 

James Leonard. Perasee Lendanta. 

Madame Elizabeth. Aaron Nite. 

John W. Leonard. 

This circle of sympathizing spirits are not authority to him whom 
they inspire. Constitutionally skeptical, he can accept no authority 
but the God of truth and wisdom, love and purity, manifest in him- 
self. u Judge ye of yourselves," said Jesus, " what is right/' 



THE CHAIN OF PEARLS AND SPIRIT BANDS. 83 

Mr. Peebles wears the string of olive beads around his neck, 
screened froni the public eye, but the cross is exposed. Many an 
iconoclast has jeered at his cross, taunting him with the sobriquet 
of " Catholic," " Episcopal priest," " Your Christian Highness," 
and the like ; and in one instance a jealous aspirant proposed to 
send him a string of Catholic beads. From all such Mr. Peebles 
kept his own secret, conscious it is imprudent to " cast your pearls 
before swine." Those olive beads continually remind him of the 
spiritual chain of pearls which the spirits put around his neck, ad- 
monishing him as to his u life, thoughts, purposes, and deeds," — 
how to keep these unstained. Oh, the cross ! the pearl of wisdom, 
the gold of love ! every name thereon engraved is associated with 
trying and hallowed associations. It has ever been to him his Urim 
and ' Thurnmim, — life light and shade. These he will wear to the end 
of this rudimental pilgrimage, when, tendered to another worthy of 
the trust, he will behold its counterpart, — the living pearls, the 
" treasures laid up in heaven," — what spiritual beauties he has 
unfolded amid earth's tears and self-denials. 

Let the profane jeer at these symbols ; the good and true will re- 
vere this sibylline oracle which only the pure in heart can interpret. 
But whose the hand that wove the chain and twined it round his 
neck? whose the voice that bade him be "hopeful, trustful, faith- 
ful ? " whose the heart throbbing in those pearls ? 

When in New York, soon after this interview with spirits, Mr. 
Peebles called on W. P. Anderson, spirit-artist, who drew a like- 
ness of Madame Elizabeth. To his surprise, a chain, similar to the 
one she had pictured to his mental vision, was around her neck. 
The artist paints her in one of her aspirational moods, wearing upon 
her beautiful brow a gemmed crown. 

Soon after procuring the much-prized likeness, Mr. Peebles was 
one day indifferently walking the streets of Boston, when, of a 
sudden, he wheeled into an antiquarian library, having no thought of 
being spiritually influenced, and was impressed to search for the 
Bhagavat Geeta. Failing to find it, he turned to go out, and, in 
passing, was drawn instinctively to the " French Department." 
There he was wdiirled round with a shock, and caused to stoop down 
and put his hand on a history of Louis XVI., in which was a likeness 
of himself and his sister Elizabeth, resembling that of her in the 
spirit-painting, — hair the same, chain of pearls around her neck, 



84 THE SPIRITUAL PILGRIM. 

with a cross attached. Dr. G. Haskell and others, being present, 
saw in a moment the correspondence between the two pictures. 
This strengthened Mr. Peebles's faith in his guides, and made him 
buoyant in spirit. The question recurs, Whose the hand that led 
him to that history ? The same that twined the cross with the string 
of pearls ? 

" Love reflects the things beloved." 

Spiritually, our fathers and mothers, — Who are they? who 
our educators? " Wiser than we know," by birthright we are repre- 
sented in the high councils of immortals. Many-fold as nature is, 
sphered in spheres derived from all planes of life, past and present, 
we are constitutionally banded with spirits of other races and ages, 
just as the webs of our being run. 

" Our echoes roll from soul to soul, 
And grow for ever and for ever." 

After Mr. Peebles became more conscious of angel-presence, he 
began to inquire into the history and identity of spirit-bands and 
their special work. 

Through the trance-mediumship of Dr. A. P. Pierce of Boston, 
by whom ancient spirits are writing histories and philosophies un- 
known in the libraries, he conversed with erudite spirits of mil- 
lennian ages, and with Jehovah, the Lord of the Hebrews, identified 
as an Egyptian priest, who instructed him in the ministries of angels 
at that remote period. At other times he talked with Brahman 
seers, Egyptian hierophants, Chinese moralists, Persian fire-wor- 
shipers, Druidic priests, Platonic philosophers. Associated with 
these ancients, under their inspiration, he has for years been on a 
pilgrimage to caves, ruins, geological relics, moss-grown records on 
monuments and obelisks, and antiquarian libraries. From instinct 
he is thus a student of Nature, ruins, and arts. Force of circum- 
stances also molds his love to flow in such channels. Organically 
spiritual, battling with adversities, so often assailed, so disappointed 
in a thousand expectations, he courts solitude, and finds in pensive 
meditations a soul-joy. In that beautiful story of " Paul and Vir- 
ginia," over which we all used to weep when boys and girls, the 
historian says, "All suffering creatures,, from a sort of common 
instinct, fly for refuge amidst their pains to haunts the most wild and 



THE CHAIN OF PEARLS, AND SPIRIT-BANDS. S5 

desolate ; as if rocks could form a rampart against social misfor- 
tune ; as if the calm of Nature could hush the tumult of the soul." 
Is there not also a " Virginia " for our Pilgrim? Surely some angel 
leads him, a wanderer over the earth, a child-learner, dusted with 
the undimmed truth-light that sparkles even under the debris of ex- 
tinct civilization. Dreamily he there studies, gathering up the 
precious lore, bringing it forth into the living present, till it breathes 
again, and thinks and loves. Thus his reading, up into the spirit- 
world, casts him into the cycles of the golden past, when lo, he says, 
" Immortality blossoms all around, and Eternity is Now ! " 

There are two intertwining bands associated with our Pilgrim's 
sphere of life acting mainly through the mediumship of Dr. Dunn, 
— one more physical, the other spiritual, corresponding with the 
body and spirit. The first is hygienic, practical, perceptive ; the 
other interior, souled in love, " God with us." Conspicuous in this 
physico-spirit-band are, Aaron Nite the Speaker, Powhattan the 
Magnetic Cleanser, Pawnee Chief the Assistant, and Drs. Schwail- 
bach and Willis the Analyzers ; all of whom guard his forces of 
body and brain with the strictest vigilance, infusing the very beds 
and rooms he sleeps in, and the food he eats, with the aura of spirit- 
presence. 

We must not forget to mention Michael O'Brien, — a quaint, witty 
Irishman, — who, years ago, disturbed Mr. Peebles by his slang 
words and obtrusive designs, sometimes driven off when too boister- 
ous, but afterwards tamed down by the voice of our brother's love 
to educate himself. Such gratitude as he shows towards his earthly 
benefactor ! His rollicking wit is most refreshing. Pie obeys Aaron 
Nite with the trust of a child. Orderly, principled in integrity, the 
discipline of this band is most excellent, ranging up, as flowers from 
the root, into administrative affiliation with the more interior band. 

These spirits have been identified repeatedly by different media. 
Betsey Howard, whose funeral discourse Mr. Peebles preached in 
California, once controlled J. V. Mansfield, in 1863, and clearly 
manifested herself with gratitude for his favors. There appeared in 
this band — having their names written in dazzling, electric light on 
their foreheads — Henry Ware, jun., Ephraim Peabody, W. E. Chan- 
ning, and Eliza W. Farnham, who addressed him in vigorous words, 
with this closing admonition, " Oh, my brother, be true to the light 
within you ! Say the same to Bros. Davis, Mansfield, Harter, and 
others ; that they have for their purpose truth ! " 



86 THE SPIRITUAL PILGRIM. 

The spirits whose names are engraved upon Mr. Peebles's cross of 
gold and pearl are more intimately his " guardian angels." Lorenzo 
Peebles is a loving brother ; Hosea Ballou is the sermonizer ; 
Cana, the positivist ; Aaron Nite, the elucidator ; Madame Eliza- 
beth, the love-angel ; Mozart, the musical harmonizer ; Perasee 
Lendanta, the scientist ; John, the beloved, around whom the whole 
band revolves as planets around their central sun. This spirit, con- 
trolling John W. Leonard, a clergyman, of Edinburgh, Scotland, 
whose identity has been traced in history, so signed himself for 
years, lest the real, when given, might engender a pampering pride 
in Mr. Peebles's mind. He prefers to be impersonal. We have no 
permission thus to announce his name ; but from a sense of justice 
we take the responsibility, the better to unveil the wonderful disci- 
pline of spirits. " John " was first discovered through the medium- 
ship of Mrs. W. P. Anderson. Scores of other mediums said the 
same ; but Mr. Peebles doubted, until, by accumulating evidences 
from myriad sources, the statement was confirmed, that this is none 
other than John, the beloved disciple, who leaned on the bosom of 
Jesus. 

. The characteristics of the leading spirits in this dual band are 
plainly indicated by their sentiments, tinged more or less by the 
mediumistic channel. These were communicated in Rockford, 111. 

We take each communication from the world of spirits for what 
it is worth to us. Reason is the voice of God in our soul, and no 
truth is truth to us till born into our self-consciousness as such. 

It will be seen from the following, that each spirit retains, to a 
certain extent, the peculiarities of the earth-life. The Indian is the 
Indian still. The poet is the poet still. The philosopher delights to 
pursue his philosophic investigations ; the astronomer, to measure 
those stellar worlds which dot infinity, and sift their silvery beams 
through unfathomless space. So the artful, scheming, sordid, and 
malignant of earth are such upon the other shore, till, through re- 
morse, repentance, restitution, and varied experiences, they pro- 
gress to higher and holier conditions. 

" Let love be the diadem upon thy brow, — a comfort ant\ an inspiration to thy spirit 
in earth-life, and a beacon-light to guide thee in the pearly paths of wisdom along the 
infinite future.' ' — John. 

"Prepare yourself to live, and in the noble work of preparation you become pre- 
pared to die." — Aaron Nitb. 



THE CHAIN OF PEARLS, AND SPIRIT-BANDS. 87 

"Earth's poetry is Heaven's prose: strive, therefore, to perfect thyself in earth's 
poetry." — Queen of Morn. 

" Have confidence in the Father; for in thus doing you have confidence in humanity, 
as they are hut parts of the universal whole." — Hosea Ballou. 

" Endeavor, brother, to chase the wolf of discord from thine own soul, as the musi- 
cian would chase it to the remotest portion of the instrument." — Mozart. 

" This life is but the horoscope of the future : try then and make the present as glad 
and golden as the future you would like to see." — Morning Star. 

"Let thy brain be a pool of knowledge, and desire the angel of wisdom to often 
'trouble it." — James. 

"Let the council-fires of peace burn brightly in thy breast; for the tomahawk is 
ever buried with the warrior." — Powhattan. 

"Master mind, and you've mastered the universe." — Perasee Lendanta. 

" Let the chase for the wild deer be done, and the chase for wild thoughts and Na- 
ture's higher truths be begun." — Pawnee Chief. 

" Strive to make thyself a master-builder; and, ever baring thy breast to the sharp 
point of truth, let each stone be a word of kindness, and the key-stone to the arch, 
wisdom." — Dr. Willis, the mason. 

" Man is a species of flower that buds in earth, to bloom on spirit-shores; and as the 
flower-bud is nurtured, so will the blossom testify." — Madame Theresa. 

" Wouldst thou study geology, physiology, astronomy, and the deeply hidden sci- 
ences of matter and mind, study the wonderful combinations of man." 

SCHWAILBACH. 

" Remember that the heaven of man is the harmony of his own soul : then prepare 
thy heaven now, that thou mayest enjoy it the more in the grand hereafter." 

i Thy Brother. 

" As there is coin in the golden bar yet to be coined, so thou, living in the world, are 
yet to be born ; then prepare thyself for the higher birth and the mint immortal." 

Cana. 

Mr. Peebles is quite a critic with the spirits of his band, but yields 
to them as a child for instruction. He is not infected with the 
" aching palm" to control the spirits, — as our Halleck sarcastically 
says, to — 

" Check and chide 
The aerial angels, as they float about us 
With robes of a so-called wisdom, till they grow 
The same tame slaves to custom and the world." 



CHAPTER X. 



GONE TO THE WARS. 



" "War is the concentration of all crimes." — Channing. 

" War is a denial of human brotherhood, and justice is in no respect promoted by it." 

Senator Sumner. 

When in California, popular with the soldiers, a regiment of 
that State voted him their chaplain. On visiting them at their 
" Camp Donney," noticing the machinery of battle, he courteously 
declined, convicted in his own conscience that a commission of this 
kind would make him an accomplice of bloodshed. Returning home, 
he found the very air charged with war. Every thing centered here, 
to crush the rebellion. Though a lover of his country, patriotic, the 
idea of shedding a brother's blood shocked his love of peace. Long 
he pondered upon his duty, and came to the sober conclusion that he 
must go, — a clerk under Capt. D. Y. Kilgore. He wished to see life 
in all its phases, and administer comfort to the sick, wounded, and 
dying soldiers. The following extracts from his letters tell the 
story of his experiences and moral impressions of war : — 

" Bridgeport, Ala., Dec. 7, 1863. 
" I can only write to-night from the text, ' And in hell he lifted up his eyes, being in 
torment ! ' . . . There are over twenty thousand soldiers encamped here now, all in cloth 
tents. I am now writing in a tent, with the top of a valise for a writing-desk. The soldiers 
are on half-rations. It is almost impossible to get food for so many. Destruction lines 
the wagon-roads. The weather is warm and beautiful. Blue-birds sing in the morning. 
How homesick I have been ! . . . I went to work the next day after my arrival, copying 
papers, drawing orders, issuing forage, &c, &c. It is perfectly earthly and worldly. I 
look into no book; see no ' Banner of Light,' nor ' Herald,' nor Northern paper of any 
description. . . . Soldiers and officers gamble and drink horridly. ... I saw four 
thousand of the rebels that Gen. Grant took in one squad, and talked with a number of 
them. They looked dirty, ragged, and homesick. Poor brothers ! How strange my 
life-experiences ! Poor prodigal I, from John's and Aaron's house, spiritually speak- 
ing. Say nothing to my wife about the hardships and exposures before me." 

"Nashville, Tenn., Jan. 14, 1864. 
..." Oh, 'tis sweet to be alone ! Never did I so long for solitude. The eternal bus- 
tle of business, of jarrings, antagonisms, swearing, cheating, that so prevail, make me 
sick in soul. My body is wearing away under the pressure. I feel it, know it. Either 
I must leave, or my bones will whiten under an Alabama sun. . . . Tell Powhattan 
to help his ' Preach.' . . . Oh, the deceit and hypocrisy of certain spirits who promise 
88 



"GONE TO THE WAKS." 89 

officers great positions ! They purport to be Washington, Jackson, Clay, controlling a 
young medium here. How intensely I love and appreciate Bro. Nite for his honesty ! 
He came to me, not a god, or a Franklin, or a Washington; but simply Aaron Nite, — 
once a poor coach-driver in England. Now he is an angel, and I would gladly sit at his 
feet for instruction. . . . Rebel soldiers, erring yet sincere, lie frozen to death on our 
hands. A poor woman was frozen, — is dead. The dead carcasses of mules are lying 
over the graves of our soldiers. Only those that have seen have any idea of this war." 

"Bridgeport, Ala., Jan. 21, 1864. 
..." Last evening, about 9 o'clock, I returned from Chattanooga in a private car, 
with Bishop Simpson, Gen. Howard, Gen. Cook, Col. Donaldson, and several chaplains. 
... I went up the Tennessee River, in charge of some commissary stores, by order 
of Capt. Kilgore. Capt. Jett, a Mississippian professor, went with me on to ' Lookout 
Mountain,' over the late battle-field. Picked up bullets, pieces of shell, and other 
trophies. He and several soldiers engaged in the battle told me all about it. I went 
several times to Gen. Howard's head-quarters. Generals were as thick as were the frogs 
in Egypt.' I have no respect for gaudy trappings. . . . Heaven help our poor soldiers ! 
Their sufferings are terrible. Oh, the effects of army life upon two-thirds that go 
thither ! . . . The weather is pleasant now. The birds sing. The ground is covered 
with dead mules and horses. Reckless soldiers travel this way and that, day and night. 
... I can not write. The office is full of folks ; some for gain, some for clothes, some 
to have unruly soldiers arrested. It is ' Babel ! ' the last place on earth for a refined 
organization. My only happy moments are when I walk away from every human being. 
I am alone, all alone, although in the midst of an army of men ! " 

In response to a letter of inquiry, we received this cordial testimo- 
nial from his army friend and brother, who is one of our sterling 
Spiritualists, — a reform lawyer, defending justice and truth : — 

"605 Walnut St., Philadelphia, Jan. 1, 1871. 

"J. 0. Barrett: Dear Sir, — In answer to your note of inquiry respecting the 
army life of James M. Peebles, it affords me pleasure to say it was unexceptionable and 
thoroughly consistent with his peace principles. 

"In the winter of 1863-4, he was employed by me as a clerk in the quarter-master's 
department at Bridgeport, Ala. During the time he continued in the service of the Gov- 
ernment, we occupied the same tent, and most of the time the same couch. 

** Such was my confidence in him, that he was intrusted with the most responsible 
duties ; and although property amounting to tens of thousands of dollars passed through 
his hands daily, no mistakes were found in his accounts, and not a penny stuck. 
Though often placed in the most trying circumstances, he never lost his equanimity, nor 
evidenced a disposition of retaliation toward those who had wronged him; but, on the 
contrary, he everywhere manifested, by word and deed, a gentle, forgiving, and loving 
spirit, coupled with that sterling integrity which never sanctions wrong. 

" The example of such a man is always good; but in the rough experiences of army 
life it is invaluable. 

" At the end of about three months' service, his health declining, he was obliged to re- 
turn home, much to the disappointment of all who knew him. I am glad to hear you ai*e 
preparing his biography; for the life of such a man will be of service to humanity. He 
is one of the saviors of the nineteenth century. 

" Faithfully yours, Damon Y. Kilgore." 



CHAPTER XL 

MEDIUMSHIP. 

" Each ounce of dross costs its ounce of gold." — Lowell. 

" And he set the rods which he had peeled before the flocks in the gutters ; . . . and 
the flocks conceived before the rods, and brought forth cattle, ring-streaked, speckled, and 
spotted." — Bible. 

" It seems that every creed or tribe of earth 
Conceives a God, and gives him form and birth 
Possessing all the traits of every tribe : 
Thus, while portraying God, themselves describe; 
And as they each advance in reason's light, 
And have more just conceptions of the right, 
A God of like improvement then appears." — Barlow's "Voices." 

Splice the hemlock, oak, and pine, eau we make a new tree? 
Wait till each, fulfilling its mission, crumbles into dust : now there 
is a union of the elements ; out of the improved soil rises another 
species of tree, — matter progressed, — which no art can construe*. 

At a Universalist. Convention held in Janesville, Wis., in the sum- 
mer of 1864, were three radical ministers, Revs. R. S. Sanborn, A. J. 
Fishback, and J. O. Barrett. Having spiced and peppered the 
" bread of life " quite successfully, we sinned " the sin of heresy." 
Secreting ourselves, we attempted to draw up a platform for a new 
religious movement ; but the spirits dashed the creed-making business 
to the ground. Thinking we had not got the right patterns, we con- 
cluded to "wait on the Lord" by calling a convention of " Liberal 
Christians " in Beaver Dam, Wis., Rev. H. A. Reid (Unitarian) 
being afterward enlisted as a co-operator. But who would bring in 
the Spiritualists ? Note how the spirits came to our rescue. We 
went to Palmyra to preach a chowdered theology. By invitation of 
Dr. Ridell, an old schoolmate, Mr. Peebles was announced to speak 
there the next Tuesday evening. "Mr. Peebles," we asked, "of 
Battle Creek, the writer of Spiritualism in Universalist papers? 
90 



MEDIUMSHIP. . 91 

That's the man we must see." He had just closed a month's labor in 
Milwaukie. We clasped hands for the first time at the residence of 
Rev. C. F. Dodge of Palmyra, Wis. Being then a " respectable 
Universalist minister," we looked him over very carefully, endeavor- 
ing to call him out, particularly upon the subject of " free love ; " for 
we staidly asked, if " Spiritualists generally are free lovers ! " Agree- 
ably surprised at his positive remarks, advocating a moral life far 
above our actuality, we were taken back again by a most awkward 
Indian jump he made, with a war-whoop yell, when we spoke kindly 
of the Indians ; but the next moment all this k ' ministerial impropri- 
ety " (in our estimation) vanished, when he discoursed so feelingly 
about the rights of the Indians, and of the down-trodden of all races. 
When we had inspected each other, — he with a sort of careless socia- 
bility, we with a coy and very churchal questioning, — he said, when 
alone, to test the heart-blending, " Bro. Barrett, I see your inner life 
and struggles, the drift of your love, and impending fate as a Univer- 
salist minister. My sympathy goes out to you : we are brothers in 
oneness of spirit." The manner of this remark, tinged in every 
cadence with a sweet confidence, shot through us a sunbeam. Then 
and there we laid before him our darling project, soliciting co-opera- 
tion. He responded with a hearty readiness, consenting to represent 
the Spiritualists, and enlist all possible influence from that source. 
This happy interview was introductory to a most enlivening corre- 
spondence with him, which became the principal agency in emanci- 
pating us from a sectarian prison. In the mean while, the prime 
actors, noticing the great meeting in the churchal and spiritual presses, 
received responsive letters from eminent divines of the Unitarian 
sect, — such as David Wasson, Drs. Ellis, Livermore, Clarke, Bel- 
lows, E. C. Towne ; and from J. S. Loveland, Moses Hull, Adin 
Ballou, and others of the Spiritual ranks ; but none of marked note 
from the Universalists — except Revs. J. H. Harter and George 
Severance — who gave any encouragement to the undertaking. 

Soon after, attending a convention of Spiritualists at St. Charles, 
111., we publicly stated the object, advocated union, and invited Spir- 
itualists present to attend our meeting at Beaver Dam, when E. V. 
Wilson sprung to his feet, and lashed the proposition with a com- 
mendable fury, shouting the prophecy home, that brought a laugh 
from the electrified audience and a blush to our cheek, pointing at us 
with a rebuking sarcasm, " And you, sir, kicked out of the Univer- 
salist sect, where you deserve to be ! " 



92 THE SPIRITUAL PILGRIM. 

The auspicious hour arriving, these " heretics" (Peebles aud Fish- 
back absent on other engagements) met at Beaver Dam, — five Uni- 
tarian clergymen, two Universalists, one lone Spiritualist representa- 
tive (Dr. J. E. Morrison of Illinois). The convention was meager, — 
a mongrel. The batteries opened ; all was brotherly, when, of a sud- 
den, a growl was heard. The true symbol of the meeting was a spotted 
hyena. Mr. Morrison was covertly ignored. Spiritualism must be 

cast out of the kingdom, " the dirty thing ! " Rev. of Janes- 

ville had " conscientious dislikes against Spiritualists : they are 
loose, seditious. Mr. Peebles and other restless clergymen are a 
fair specimen, having been for years under the ban of their denomi- 
nation. " No proof was adduced to substantiate this statement. It 
was cowardly, false. Indignant, we poured in grapeshot. A battle 
ensued. The fire was hot. Injustice had been done, and the rebuk- 
ing angels scattered us. Blasted in this our most sanguine effort, 
but hoping for union in another State, we fled to Battle Creek, 
where Mr. Peebles had been trying his art of cementing liberal ele- 
ments in conventional fellowship. Pursuant to due notice, the peo- 
ple assembled. Any Universalist ministers? any Unitarian? Not 
one, except our heretical self. The meeting was mainly Spiritualistic 
in representation. Moses Hull, William Baldwin, and others, gave 
a ready hand of support. It was inspiring, embosomed this time in 
the loves of the angels. The folly of amalgamating incongruous ele- 
ments was apparent. The lesson which the spirits taught us was 
severe, but beautiful. " No alliance with the dead ! " " What fel- 
lowship hath Christ with Belial?" is written on ruins. Exhume no 
damaged titles ! " Let the dead bury their dead ! " So we both 
said, " and so endeth the second lesson." 

The morality of mediumship depends upon the plane to which we 
key it. If sensuous in motive, developed by " filthy communica- 
tions," its mold of character is of the same low degree, — " caroal 
and devilish." No stream can rise higher than its source. Descend- 
ing from the spiritual, cultured in the moral, restraining in the pas- 
sioual : then we have what holy angels expect, — reform and progress. 
Said the pure-minded Nazarene, looking to the mediumistic discipline 
of his apostles, " In this rejoice not, that the spirits are subject unto 
you ; but rather rejoice because your names are writteu in heaven." 
On the arches of the spiritual temple faithful mediums have such 
names engraved : Purity, Chastity, Fidelity, Charity, Patience, 
— just as our leading virtues are. 



MEDIUMSHIP. 93 

Stormy, Wasting — shivered by lightniugs : March winds from 
melting winter ! So Mr. Peebles's mediumistic experiences during 
1857-63. What of his horoscope ? Clouded with doubts, red with 
battles, purpled with victories ! 

Such is the way for all of us. Jesus had his seasons of temptation, 
destruction, " strong crying and tears," martyrdom ; the after calm 
of " Father, into thy hands I commend my spirit." What of Pytha- 
goras, Socrates, Plotinus, Apollonius of Tyana, Hildebrand, Friar 
Bacon, Joan d' Arc, George Fox the Quaker, Swedenborg the 
Mystic, Murray the Preacher ? — lights in the zodiac of solar truth, 
mingling their glory with the new-made planets of our age, they 
shine at last over the chaos of their pilgrimage. Thither the journey 
lies ; through the hells of self, up the heights ; veterans of moral 
heroism ! " Thou art the anointed cherub that cover eth ; I have set 
thee so : thou wast upon the holy mountain of God ; thou hast walked 
up and down in the midst of stones of fire." 

" E'en his vices leaned to virtue's side." 

Unsuspecting as a child, confiding as a woman, believing humanity 
is divine, Mr. Peebles awoke from soul-slumber in objective life to 
plunge into the magnetic whirlpools, tempest-tost, and riven as a lost 
mariner at sea. " He is mine," said a voice ; " nay, mine," said a 
loving angel. Oh, the " conflict of ages " ! Here our brother fought 
against spirits, against mortals, — himself the chief enemy to himself. 
The following letter to a friend betrays the secret of every spiritual 
soul, — the balancing pivot, — Mohammed's hair-bridge stretched over 
the abyss on which Allah's children must walk to heaven : — 

" Dec. 28, 1861. 

. . . "It may be that my conscience is becoming exceedingly sensitive; for at times 
I feel impelled to rush along the track of my whole past earth-life, unsaying and un- 
doing every thing said and clone amiss. Forgiveness is out of the question. Eestoration 
and reconciliation, crowned with wisdom, are the only saviors. The very things, that, 
in the depths of my soul, I hate, I am tempted to do; thus being a puzzle to myself. It 
is quite clear that we must die to the earthly before we can live to the spiritual. My 
aspirations, Heaven knows, are high enough; but they are never realized: and yet I 
complain of no one but myself; nor would I make others miserable on my account. 
The world shall only see my smiles. 

'"lam weary, I am weary, 

I am longing for my home, 
Looking through life's wildering mazes 
For the rest which ne'er doth come; 



94 THE SPIRITUAL PILGRIM. 

But sometimes there cometh visions, 

Faint, yet beautiful to me, 
Of the home for which I'm longing, 

In " the land beyond the sea." ' 

" True, there are some flowers blooming along my pilgrim pathway; but they grow 
fresh in Nature's garden, and jut out from the mountain sides, rather than from the 
masses of souls I meet. 

" ' Grief is deepest laid 
On hearts that deepest feel and deepest love. 
" Perfect thro' suffering," mounting thus above 
The sense of wrong, the soul is steadfast made.' " 

Must we have experience on the plane where we stoop, ere we can 
sympathize with the fallen? Must we explore every hell, ere we can 
open a full, free heaven to the unfortunate ? Does the human heart 
select a life of shame, or is it forced by circumstances? Ask the 
gamblers. Ask our erring sisters. Ask the blasted hopes, the ach- 
ing consciences, the bitterness of hearts. Cherish it, — the sweet 
truth, — that human nature is pure by birthright as the budding rose ; 
or will you reckon that its beauty is to blame for the blighting frost 
or heat ? 

Mediumship ! what a power this, that touches all the souls in the 
world ; that feels all that mortals and angels feel, drawing the pilgrim 
up to higher love: but oh, the perils, the perils ! Can the medium, 
confiding as a child, descend into the hells of self and not be contami- 
nated, or tempted to err? Such may sin, and not be sinful ; may be 
snared, to learn wisdom ! O beautiful charity ! drop a tear on every 
heart-stain, and out of the roots of woe will spring the truest love. 
Afterward the descent can be made by an angel of light, the mental 
darkness furnishing fuel for a greater moral splendor. 

Muscular contortions, painful trance, the Dervish dance, are not 
criterions of evil influences, but simply the processes of removing ob- 
structions. The mediumistic phases vary according to organization. 
Frenzy of body may prevent injury to the inner life. Too much illu- 
mination of the spiritual senses might induce phantasy. The opening 
of the spiritual forces, until we are wholly balanced, subtracts from 
the material. There is a magnetism in a smile, a frown, a gesture, a 
kiss, a heart-throb. Psychological action of the nerve-organs medi- 
umizes for the supremacy of the spirit. 

About this time, Mr. Peebles was easily controlled. In psychologi- 
cal, half-dreaming consciousness, he often traveled miles, and found 



MEDIUMSHIP. 95 

himself in strange localities, whither he had no intention of going. 
Thus led to libraries, he took down books, and turned to passages 
utterly foreign to any plan of his own, the purpose of which he after- 
ward discovered. Unconscious of the fact at first, he was known to 
give excellent spirit-tests, as in the instance of a funeral discourse. 
Whilst picturing the glories of the future life, over the lifeless remains 
of Dr. A. S. Hayward's wife's mother, in Boston, he seemed to hear 
the spirit-voices ; for he repeated, word for word, the dying testimony 
of the departed. 

This mediumistic sensitiveness, quickening every latent force of 
character, giving preponderance to his organic spirituality, awoke an 
over-anxiety to gain a moral victory in angel-life, incidentally indu- 
cing a wish, thousands of times expressed, to die, and ascend to the 
celestial heavens ; as if a closer contact with spirits, the very causes 
of his battles to develop him, would be a safer retreat ! The road to 
wisdom is the knowledge of our weaknesses. 

When in Oswego, engaged to lecture, guest of J. L. Pool, a lady 
friend, simply relating the current news, said to him, — 

" Well, Brother Peebles, we used to think you were a good man 
when pastor of our Universalist society here ; but we hear terrible 
stories about you in the West." 

" "What's up now ? " asked Mr. Peebles. * 

" They say you have got to be a drunkard, a beastly drunkard, 
wallowing in the streets of Battle Creek." 

Astonished and morally indignant, Mr. Peebles exclaimed, " It 
is a lie, a malicious, vindictive lie ! I belong to the Good Templars 
of Battle Creek, and am Chaplain of the Lodge. This is a lying, 
wicked, slanderous world. I am sick of it. I wish I were in the 
spirit-world, away from all this social corruption ! " 

When these two brothers were alone, Aaron Nite approached, 
deeply entranced Dr. Dunn, and said, — 

" Well, Friend Peebles, we have been listening to your description 
of the slandering, wicked, backbiting world in which you live ; and, 
while hearing, we thought of our own, so beautiful, orderly, loving, 
and happy." 

" I know that," answered our Pilgrim ; " I understand all that : 
hence my desire to die and be with you in your spirit-home." 

" Ah, Friend Peebles ! " replied the spirit, smiling through the me- 
dium's face, " we don't like to pluck green fruit in our country. You 



96 THE SPIRITUAL PILGRIM. 

never saw an apple want to fall from the bough in July, when it is 
sour, green, bitter, unfit for use ; but, seemingly wiser than you, 
wants to hang on till long in October or November, — till it gets 
ripe, full, luscious, matured, when there comes an opportune breeze, 
and it drops off, born into individuality, a natural and beautiful sepa- 
ration. So we want you to hang to the bough of life on earth till 
your work is done, and you are fully ripe for the spirit-world ; then 
we shall call for you, and meet you at the entering in." 

After this lesson, so aptly given, the " Spiritual Pilgrim " was not 
in such a hurry to die ; but to live as long as he could, battle brave- 
ly, face all slanders and falsehood with heroic fortitude, and remem- 
ber " green fruit." 

In these earlier stages of Mr. Peebles's mediumship, we discover 
the same mistakes we all have made. Fear of mischief from a spirit 
engenders a spheral antagonism ; a weakness this, which entangles 
worse than the snarl of such relationship. When we are spiritually 
self-poised, whether in this or the next world, we can neither be 
insulted nor imperiled nor injured. The balanced mind is invulnera- 
ble. If we fear no evil, think no evil, harbor no evil, nothing but 
the good will seek us for protection. If we are balanced up, every 
force of life coronated in the flower of spirituality, our sphere 
is so sweet and sunny, so like the lily with a golden heart full of 
fragrance, whatever touches us then is transformed into divine like- 
nesses. 

Lecturing in Portland, his eyes inflamed from over-reading, and 
otherwise ill, he was led blind-folded to the hall every Sunday. 
Taking advantage of this condition, a cunning spirit, not of his band, 
introduced himself through a friendly medium, proposing certain 
plausible schemes. Mr. Peebles writes to Dr. Dunn, — 

" Though K. brought his medium one hundred and sixty miles on purpose to see me, 
I did not stay with him a night, — refused to sit in a circle with him, refused to be 
magnetized by him, refused to ask him into the desk with me; in fact, dreaded his 
magnetic influence. This figure comes to me: though the spirit did not enter my prem- 
ises, or my house, he stood aloof and threw mud on it. The medium is naturally a 
good man, and interested me deeply in his travels in spirit-life. 

"You ask, ' What will K. do next? ' Perhaps injure me ! You say, ' Had we not 
better yield before it goes farther?' Why did you write that? Do you know me? 
Have you not had enough exhibitions of my firmness ? I am never conquered, never 
defeated; and, if subdued, love only can do it. I know not that I ever attempted to reach 
a moral stand-point in my life and failed. Oh that word ' yield! ' — no, never! My 
fraternal love for you is deepsr than the ocean, divine as God. Millions of K.'s can not 



MEDIUMSHIP. 97 

change it. Why do you indulge him in those talks ? He thinks he is holier and wiser 
than John. I have no fears of his breaking our friendship; for the angels encircled us 
in a wreath of immortal love." 

Note the following incidents, as reported in his private letters, 
indicative of the special care of angels over their brother at this 
period of his mediumship : — 

" Milwaukie, Wis., April, 1865. 
" Last night the hall was densely packed; and when pronouncing the benediction, I 
felt a hand upon my shoulder, and supposed it to be Mr. B.'s, the sexton who lights the 
gas. For a moment it annoyed me ; and yet I felt inspired to pronounce a much 
longer benediction than usual. When through, I turned round to speak to him; and lo! 
nobody was there, nor had there been anybody on the platform. It was a spirit-hand, 
probably Perasee's, as I had been speaking of his putting your hand into a blaze of fire 
without injury. ... I am a strange creature, — perhaps, a medium. The other day, 
my window being raised, a dollar-bill dropped down before me. In Chicago, a man 
(almost an entire stranger) handed me twenty dollars. I refused it. He said, 'You 
are a medium, working for humanity: take it!' and I did. Two men in New York 
did the same thing, and one lady. Why is it? Is it their spirit-friends, or mine? " 

The experience of our brother is not uncommon. Many a me- 
dium, when distressed for means, has been likewise favored in ways 
unmistakably proving a spiritual agency. In our saddest hours — 
if we lose not our faith to draw them — angels interpose in our be- 
half. Thousands can testify to this. Was Elijah fed by the ravens 
under spirit direction? Was the widow's cruse of oil replenished 
through the mediumship of that prophet? About a century since, 
lived a Catholic medium in Paris, the l Cure of Ars,' by whom the 
spirits supplied bread to starving children. Money was also ten- 
dered, if we may credit the historian : — 

" He recommended his dear little ones to the compassionate heart of the holy mother 
of God, who is also the mother of the poor. His prayer was speedily answered ; for 
suddenly a female form appeared to him, and said, ' Are you the Cure" of Ars ? ' — ' Yes 
my good lady.' — ' Here is some money which I am desired to give to you.' — Are they 
for masses ? ' said the cure\ ' No : it is sent in answer to your prayers.' Having emp- 
tied her purse into his hands, she left him without saying where she came from, or 
whither she was going. In this way, says M. Monnin, did money come providentially, 
in some secret way, at the very time when it was most urgently needed." 

Lecturing in Indiana, among philosophical minds, the question 

incidentally suggested itself, whether Christ did really walk upon 

the water. The spirits declaring it probable, Mr. Peebles demanded 

a test. Assenting, they added, " Certain conditions are first essen- 

7 



98 THE SPIRITUAL PILGRIM. 

tial : the medium must fast several days, and avoid hard labor. 
This will clear the brain, and fit the whole system for proper control." 
Appreciating the necessity of the mind's being free from worldly 
cares, Mr. Peebles would slyly put a dollar or more, every night, 
into the medium's pocket. Fitness to use is when the mediums are 
justly protected. Having faithfully complied with the required con- 
ditions, one evening, the light burning, Mr. Peebles and others had 
the satisfaction of seeing the medium carried up by spirits, perfectly 
afloat between the bed and ceiling. The test called to mind the 
words of the Nazarene : " All power is given me in heaven and 
earth." 

" Powers there are 
That touch each other to the quick, in modes 
Which the gross world no sense hath to perceive, 
No soul to dream of." 

On another occasion, Mr. Peebles inquired of the spirits if the 
three Hebrew children (Daniel iii.) did actually pass through 
the fire unharmed, as is stated in the Bible. Perasee assured him 
the event was a probability, being in consonance with spirit-law. 
Mr. Peebles demanded a test ; and the Italian chemist again de- 
manded in turn a faithful compliance with the conditions of fasting. 
This obeyed, one afternoon the medium was deeply entranced in Mr. 
Peebles's library room, and his hand held in the burning flame of a 
kerosene lamp for five minutes. The smoke was on the hand ; which, 
being removed, lo, not a particle of the skin was burned or blistered ! 
The test satisfactory, Mr. Peebles asked for the philosophy. Perasee, 
informing him of the barrenness of our language to elucidate the 
truth, gave an analysis of the chemical ingredients, stating that 
" light, heat, electricity, are modifications of a fluid held in common, 
individualized as separate existences. We gathered from the atmo- 
sphere an antidotal element that neutralized the effects of the fire. 
Coating the hand with this, we protected it safely. This is the 
subtile substance, embodying itself in vision to Nebuchadnezzar, as 
the ' fourth like the son of man.' " 

One June evening, in Rockford, 111., Mr. Peebles and his medium 
were sitting side by side, holding each by the hand, enjoying the 
fresh breeze laden with fragrance. Instantly what seemed a summer 
bug flew in, circling round and round from wall to ceiling, with a 
musical buzz, and at length lit on the vest of the doctor. Noticing 



MEDIUMSHIP. 99 

it carefully, Mr. Peebles exclaimed, " Don't brush it away ! why, 
it's not a bug ! " Two beautiful fresh buds fell to the floor, both on 
one stem, plucked by the spirits from an adjoining garden. How 
gratefully were they cherished, pressed between the leaves of the 
Bible! 

Lock the " sweet Pleiades " in silver chains ; bind all waters and 
gases, the odors of leaf and flower, the gushes of music, and the 
arts of beauty ! This is the business of mother Nature to educe birth, 
change, and progress. No escape from the law that holds us ? None. 
The divine government is inexorable in justice. License is abhorred 
by wise spirits. Eternal vigilance to order is the path to " the per- 
fect law of liberty." There are " spirits in prison," "locked in 
chains of darkness," kept under strict guard for the protection of the 
innocent and their own redemption. 

" And I will give unto thee the keys of the kingdom of heaven; and whatsoever thou 
shalt bind on earth shall be bound in heaven ; and whatsoever thou shalt loose on earth 
shall be loosed in heaven." 

This truth was happily illustrated in frequent instances where cer- 
tain departed clergymen, not yet outgrown their Church dogmas, 
would enter Mr. Peebles's congregations with designs to enforce 
their sentiments inspirationally through his mediumship. Whenever 
such could succeed in forming a battery, the effort of Mr. Peebles 
was labored. The presence of such spirits, — whom, of course, we 
should invite, when sufficiently positive to control ourselves, — ac- 
counts for failures with some of our more negative speakers in 
mixed audiences. Spiritualists are largely responsible here, in neg- 
lecting to form counter-acting batteries. The churches have their 
confederates in the first spheres of the spirit-world, who, unseen 
save by our media, seek the control of our inspirational forces ; and 
do sometimes drag, now and then, an unguarded negative victim 
into their fold, when they are inevitably lost, their identity swallowed 
up. 

One Sunday, lecturing in Sturgis, Mr. Peebles stormed the old 
citadel of the " Christian Atonement," Aaron Nite being the pre- 
siding genius of the spirit audience. The medium, clairvoyant, saw 
at the right, in the distance, a spirit dressed in black, with a white 
cravat, — a very dignified clergyman, who was gesticulating, and 
gathering around him a few friends, and influencing others in the 



100 THE SPIRITUAL PILGRIM. 

audience, pointing with serious scorn at Mr. Peebles, and quoting 
Scripture with eloquent gravity, saying, " That man is preaching 
damnable heresies. Hear what saith the word : ' But there were 
false prophets also among the people, even as there shall be false 
teachers among you, who privily shall bring in damnable heresies, 
even denying the Lord that bought them, and bring upon themselves 
swift destruction.' " This spirit then preached to his auditors about 
the resurrection of the body, the second coming of Christ, and the 
atoning blood. " As proof," said he, " that I am of God, see those 
long-bearded Grecians listening approvingly to the ribaldry of that 
speaker. ISTo heathen philosopher hath part with Christ. , ' The 
effect of this harangue was a division of sentiment in the meeting, 
and. a general feeling of social jar. 

When about to commence a lecture in Oswego, noticing his me- 
dium (seated with him in the desk as usual) was clairvoyant, and 
gazing round the room as if spying every nook and corner, Mr. 
Peebles asked him what he saw. 

" An old, positive man," was the reply, " ugly and fierce, ap- 
proaching the desk." The spirit took a seat in the third chair, when 
the doctor conversed with him, unknown to the gathering audience. 

"Who is there, Charlie?" inquired Mr. Peebles. 

" I know him," answered the spirit : " I used to discuss with him 
in the streets of this city, when he preached here as a Universalist." 

The medium described him accurately, " Positive, dogmatic, still 
a member of the same church, one-eyed " — 

" Yes, I know him well," broke in Mr. Peebles ; " he annoyed me 
much : what is he here for? " 

A commotion among the spirits : that man's friends pressed 
nearer, and insisted that Mr. Peebles should be controlled by him 
(this very one-eyed minister), and be " compelled to tell the truth 
this time ! " Mr. Peebles's spirit-friends were disturbed, for the 
wrong man was in the circle. Instantly one of his faithful guides 
telegraphed to Perasee Lendanta, who was then busily engaged in a 
distant portion of the sidereal heavens. The telegram was charged 
with a feeling of imperative urgency, — the very soul of thought 
which spirits easily sense, — and he hastened to obey the summons, 
bringing with him a band of ancient spirits, supposed to be mainly 
Persians, for they wore the Persian spirit-costume, long robes, shin- 
ing girdles, and white, snowy pyramidal hats, or plumes. A large 



. MEDIUMSHIP. 101 

company of Indian spirits also assembled, amused and wondering, 
ready to obey orders. In a moment the nucleus of a battery was 
formed ; and the magnetism of the atmosphere changed to a positive 
condition, involving belligerent forces. Trembling from exhaustion, 
the medium turned to Mr. Peebles with the startling statement, 
" You will doubtless break down ! " 

This remark made Mr. Peebles nervous and apprehensive, produ- 
cing a more negative state, when the " one-eyed " spirit, seeing his 
advantage, rose and pressed' his hand toward Mr. Peebles's shoulder, 
unable to touch him, yet succeeding in imparting a mental force that 
caused confusion of ideas, dragging him, as with chains, — a captive ! 
Ke shuddered and shook, and prayed for deliverance. 

Watching the sequel, the medium saw the appearance of a wall, 
rising slowly in vivid compactness, as if alive, forming at length a 
high cone-like rampart. Aaron Nite stepped inside, taking both 
Peebles and his medium with him, safely inclosed from all intrusion. 
The moment the top of this cone folded up, as if a netted sheet, Pera- 
see drew his hand down quick, and cut oiF that old fellow's magnet- 
ism, pushed him one side, made another cone around him, then 
moved him in his prison off to one corner, where he chafed like a 
caged tiger, under the eye of Indian sentinels. Mr. Peebles, now free 
again, opened grandly with his discourse under the loving inspiration 
of John, Perasee presiding, and governing the batteries of mind. 
The lecture closed, those spirits let their prisoner out, when Perasee 
gave him some good advice, "Never to undertake again what he 
had no capacity for or association with." The ashamed minister, 
receiving a blessing to be for ever remembered, and quailing under a 
just criticism, went off shivering in every nerve to find his own 
place. 

This is not the only instance where it was morally necessary to 
imprison, or control, interfering spirits. Deceiving spirits, seeking 
to decoy, were struck dumb and blind for the time being, as Paul 
did Elymas the sorcerer, till " there fell on him a mist and a dark- 
ness." How beautiful and startling are the uses of the psychological 
laws ! They are the constitutions, the codes, the enforcements, of the 
republics of spirits. We no longer wonder at John's vision, when he 
" saw an angel come down from heaven, having the key of the bot- 
tomless pit and a great chain in his hand," with which he bound a 
deceiving spirit in power, — " bound him a thousand years." 



102 THE SPIRITUAL PILGRIM. 

" All my soul 
"Was thrilled and filled with music, and I prayed 
To he let loose, that I might cast myself 
Upon the mighty tides, and give my life 
To the supernal raptures." 

Fly with electric life the fiery steeds, the red blood in the human 
body, to vitalize every part. Carrying the spheres of angels, im- 
pelled to action, the spiritual heralds have circled through all the 
country, shocking the bigoted, fighting effete theology, sowing pre- 
cious seed watered with tears. A large moral experience and a large 
charity : true ratio this. To minister to mortals on their diverse 
planes of suffering, we must " be touched with the feeling of their 
infirmity." To understand the spirit-world and its claims in whole- 
ness, representatives of every plane of life need be introduced to 
us ; and thence we gravitate where we belong, serving as we are 
served. This was our Pilgrim's discipline now. Let the sequel 
show how well he conned the lessons. By the mediumship of Dr. 
Dunn, the spirits taught him every possible art of spiritual health 
and culture ; by Nellie J. T. Brigham, Sarah M. Thompson, Mrs. 
S. A. Horton, Mrs. Reid Knowles, Emma Martin, Jennie S. Rudd, 
they breathed into his soul the music-words of immortality ; by the 
Andersons and Mumlers they revealed the artistic galleries of 
the better world ; by Maggie Patterson they portrayed perils to 
escape and successes to gain ; by L. Gr. Smedley, H. Slade, and A. 
P. Pierce they instructed him in the laws of spiritual healing ; by 
A. B. Whiting they showed him glimpses of the superior wisdom of 
ancient seers ; by S. B. Brittan they proved how a sunny heart 
sweetens the home till the angels nestle there ; by Mrs. Victor Post 
they impressed in stillness of thought the peace-words of a happy 
life ; by Nettie M. Pease they visioned him in the flash of heaven 
that veils the face in the beauty of hope ; by E. V. Wilson they 
were repeatedly identified, saying " Doubt not ; " by Mrs. J. H. 
Conant they inspired him with the heroism of the Parkers and 
Pierponts ; by Sarah A. Byrnes and Mrs. J. Gr. Wait they rimmed 
the solitudes of his life with the rainbows of trust ; by Fannie B. 
Felton they sent into his bosom the merry heart-beats of healthful 
spirit ministrants ; by Mrs. F. O. Hyzer they demonstrated that per- 
severance conquers, and 

" Love is the transmuter of all outer things; " 

by the Davenports, Annie Lord Chamberlin, and Maud Lord they 



MEDIUMSHIP. 103 

materialized themselves comprehensible to every sense ; by L. C. 
Howe they opened to view the divine of Nature and the harmonies 
of worlds ; by Abraham James they apprenticed him in the more 
practical of the spiritual gospel ; by Mrs. M. S. Townsend Hoadley 
they revealed the beauty and grace of freedom ; by Elvira Wheelock 
Ruggles they disciplined him in the gospel of woman's fidelity and 
independence ; by Thomas Gales Forster they demonstrated to him 
the correlation of matter and spirit ; by Hudson Tuttle they read to 
him the philosophical solution of historic problems of religions ; by 
Mrs. Cora L. V. Tappan, they unveiled the mysteries of mind and 
the glories of the upper kingdoms of God ; by Olive — too modest 
to be known — they promised an " Eden of rest for the weary Pil- 
grim ; " by Nellie Smith they sung the melodies of the fair enchant- 
ress who is preparing a home " up there ; " by Emma Tuttle they 
exemplified how fidelity wins, how the ideal must be " my Jesus," in 
the real man of sunny soul, to whom she sings, — 

" Ye won it by no false pretense ; 

Ye did not daze by gems and gold, 
Nor buy by flatteries sweetly told ; 
But by the soul's magnificence 
And kinship to thy God maintained, 
Our spirits unto thine are chained." 

Remembering these lessons, he often quotes his friend Preuss, — 

" With weak and mole-ish vision. 
We work our way below ; 
But sure our souls are building 
Much wiser than we know." 

One day, at Albion, Mich., Mr. Peebles fell into a most frightful 
dilemma, whilst magnetizing Dr. H. Slade, the celebrated test me- 
dium and healer. Asking Wassoo, the Indian spirit controlling the 
doctor, about the method, he was permitted to make a trial of his 
skill, the spirits retiring to a distance. Mr. Peebles commenced 
operations, and threw his subject into a perfect trance ; when, to his 
astonishment, the medium imitated his every motion, repeated his 
words, articulated his ideas, till he seemed to be a part of himself, — 
verily, himself repeated. Getting somewhat alarmed, he made re- 
verse vertical passes, but to no purpose ! In his bewilderment, he 
invoked the aid of Perasee, who, coming to the rescue, taking pos- 



104 THE SPIRITUAL PILGRIM. 

session of the medium, instructed him to make passes horizontal as 
well as vertical ; " for," said the Italian, " in the perfect trance, like 
this, the psychological rays center from all directions ; hence the 
counter-currents must be made in reverse lines to scatter the entran- 
cing sphere." The success of the ever-to-be remembered lesson was 
beautiful. 

Up to 1864, Mr. Peebles, like the rest of us, maintained that the 
age in which vje live casts all other ages into the shadow of its 
knowledge. Everywhere he was grandiloquent about " the great- 
ness of the nineteenth century." At a lecture in Princeton, 111., on 
the subject of Progress, he wound up his electric lecture with a splen- 
did peroration upon the inferiority of the past and the superiority of 
the present ; and went to his boarding-place elated with the proud 
consciousness that he had done something really worthy of the flattery 
he received. When alone in his room, his medium, suddenly en- 
tranced, made a strange bow, after the Asiatic style, and, after a 
series of earnest devotions, stood up before Mr. Peebles with closed 
eyes, and inspecting him from head to foot, with a pungent sarcasm, 
said, — 

" Well, you are about the homeliest man I ever saw. What's your 
name?" 

" Name?" replied Mr. P., with a wit in his cadence ; "my name 
is Pee-bles." 

" What does Pee-bles mean? " said the spirit with gravity. 

" Don't know." 

" Don't know your own name? you a teacher, and don't know the 
meaning of your own name f Well ! " 

" Is that any thing strange ? You seem to be thunder-struck at a 
mere name. All people have names. In China the people are 
called Chinese" 

" What does Chinese mean?" 

" I don't know." 

" Why use words you do not know the meaning of ? " 

" What may I call your name? " asked Mr. Peebles. 

" No matter as to that : you seem to have but little knowledge of 
names ; but you may call me Aphelion, if you like. Do you know the 
meaning of that word ? " 

" I think it is an astronomical word, signifying the greatest or 
least distance from the sun ; I forget which." 



MEDIUMSHIP. 105 

The spirit betrayed not an emotion, but looked him over again 
very gravely, and said, — 

" I lived on your earth, in an Asian province, about sixteen thou- 
sand years ago. "We wrote in what corresponds with the Egyptian 
hieroglyphs : every dot, point, symbol, and curve meaning something, 
conveying some distinct idea. Sixteen thousand years ago was the 
dark age of which you spoke so eloquently to-night." 

When the spirit said " sixteen thousand years ago," Mr. Peebles 
laughed outright. 

" What do you laugh for? Philosophers seldom laugh. Imbeciles 
giggle much. You disgust me with your ha, ha, ha! — mouth wide 
open." 

" Have not you, as a spirit, a brain," asked Mr. Peebles, " and an 
organ of mirthfulness ? " 

" Yes," said Aphelion with dignity. 

" How do you exercise it?" 

" In a calm, pleasurable sensation, that permeates our whole being. 
... I momentarily listened to your temperance lecture, the other 
evening. The people cheered you by shouting, and stamping, and 
clapping hands ; and you were proud. Such appreciation disgusted 
me. When on your earth, I was a medium, teacher, and lecturer ; 
and, when uttering a great truth, the people rose and stood silent, 
gazing with an inspired, enraptured look that seemed to penetrate the 
very heavens. They would shade their eyes under the palms of their 
hands, as if the better to see and examine the truth. . . . On the 4th 
of July, that sultry day, I heard you speak on Independence, during 
which you said defiantly, ' I care not what the people say : I will be 
myself, — free.' There you stood with thick boots on, and black 
coat, sweltering in the sun. You should have been barefooted, or, at 
least, sandaled, wearing a white, trailing robe. But you do not care 
what the people say ! In glancing over your country, I have not seen 
a true man or woman. None live up to their highest ideal. You 
are a nation of cowards. . . . You are aware that the ancients had 
a cement of which the moderns know nothing ; that they could trans- 
fuse color through glass, which you moderns cannot; that there are 
many lost arts and sciences ; that the sculpture of three and four 
thousand years since is copied by modern artists. Sixteen thousand 
years ago, our navigators propelled vessels by electricity. . . . Plato's 
account of the sinking of the New Atlantis Isle is nearly correct. I 



106 THE SPIRITUAL PILGRIM. 

was acquainted with several inhabitants of that island, then so famous 
for its fine arts and high degree of civilization. Records establishing 
the facts may yet be found in the hieroglyphs of ancient Egypt, or in 
the beds of the ocean. Cities buried by sand or volcanoes will yet be 
exhumed and re-inhabited. History is ever repeating itself, and prog- 
ress is in cycles." 

Taken down to a more modest mein, Mr. Peebles, after this, was 
less boastful and boisterous about modern civilizations. He then 
began the study of ancient spiritual literature and science with a 
keener relish than ever. His exclamation was : — 

" Let no one presume originality. Let us pierce the inflated balloons of Bros. Davis, 
Brittan, Denton, Tuttle, Owen, Howitt, and Peebles especially; sit at the feet of the Neo- 
Platonists, Hindoo Gymnosophists, Egyptian Hierophants, Persian Magi, Chinese Philoso- 
phers, and learn wisdom; for 'of such is the kingdom of heaven.' " 



CHAPTER XII. 



THE GOLD THAT WEARS. 

" And the preaching of this preache* 

Stirs the pulses of the world. 
Tyranny has curbed its pride ; 
Errors that were deified, 

Into darkness have been hurled; 
Slavery and Liberty, 

And the Wrong and Right, have met 
To decide their ancient quarrel. 

Onward, preacher ; onward yet I 
There are pens to tell your progress, 

There are eyes that pine to read, 
There are hearts that burn to aid you, 

There are arms in hour of need. 
Onward, preacher 1 Onward, nations I 

Will must ripen into deed."— Newry Examiner (Ireland). 

When Mr. Peebles had labored six years in Battle Creek, the 
spirits impressed Warren Chase to say, " You are prepared for great- 
er work. Gro East, West, North, South, and teach this gospel to all 
the people." It was reiterated through other media. Earnestly did he 
obey. Humanity needs magnetizers,* as the earth needs comets. 

* Talking with Mr. Peebles one day, about our speakers and " magnetizers," he said, — 
"Proud of them, sir, proud of them, tbey have vim ; have I not worked with them ? 
When the ' Angel of Accounts ' demands the jewels, I shall hand in such a list of names ! 
and among them will be Joel Tiffany, S. J. Finney, Warren Chase, Dean Clark, E. 
S. Wheeler, Frank H. N. White, C. B. Lynn, A. C. Robinson, Lydia Ann Pearsall, A. J. 
Kutz, Mrs. F. A. Logan, Wm. H. Johnson, Mary J. Wilcoxson, W. F. Jamieson, J. T. 
Rouse, A. C. and E. C. Woodruff, Laura Cuppy Smith (whom I helped into spirit-light), 
E. V. Wilson, Addie L. Ballou, E. Winchester Stevens, Joseph Baker, Thomas Gales 
Forster, A. A. Wheelock, Lizzie Doten, Hudson Tuttle, L. C. Howe, Abraham James, 
E Whipple, A. B. French, A. J. Davis and his Mary, Wm. Denton, Adin Ballou, J. O. 
Barrett, H. P. Fairfield, A. T. Foss, J. Q-. Fish, F. O. Hyzer, I. P. Greenleaf, S. B. Brittan, 
M. H. Houghton, E. C. Dunn, Moses Hull, A. B. Whiting, John Mayhew, J. H. Powell, 
H. B. Storer, A. E. Carpenter, Cora L. V. Tappan, H. F. M. Brown, Emma Hardinge, 
M. S. Townsend Hoadly, Elvira Wheelock Ruggles, Susie M. Johnson, Laura de Force 
Gordon, Nettie M. Pease, C. M. Stowe, Lois Waisbroker, S. A. Horton; and ascended 
saints, such as Henry C. Wright, J. B. Ferguson, Alcinda Wilhelm Slade, John Pierpont, 
Achsa C. Sprague, L. Judd Pardee; and I shall hand in some of our poetical jewels too, — 
E. S. Ledsham, L. B. Brown, T. L. Harris, Mrs. C. A. Fenn, Mrs. C. J. Osborn (who sung 
to me the song of the c Spiritual Harp ' ) Mrs. H. N. Green, Mrs. M. A. Archer, Mrs. J. S. 

107 



108 THE SPIRITUAL PILGRIM. 

All over the country his trumpet voice has rung, — an Ezekiel 
prophesying in "the valley of dry bones," breathing the breath of 
the Spirit that brought forth life from the dead. Everywhere a 
resurrectionist, he has made verdure spring from the desert and 
water from the rock. Having, these later years of his spiritual mis- 
sion, become a constructionist, he studiously avoids the " revival 
system," falsely ycleped "spiritual lectures," believing it engenders 
an unstable and intemperate social character. His is the calm 
argument now of loving wisdom ; and it strikes deep in the soul like 
the silent sunlight that warms all hearts to life and beauty. He 
maintains that a speaker should never swallow up his listeners in a 
whirlpool of psychological sensation, but use this law with prudence, 
appeal to the rational judgment with a serious reverence for truth, 
and, by the sweet persuasion of reason and love, draw the people to 
a higher altitude of character. An audience should be induced to 
discriminate. A speaker who drives an unbeliever farther away 
from Spiritualism fails, — signally fails, — however great the sensa- 
tion he creates. Whilst we are aggressive against error, is it not a 
nobler accomplishment to attract into higher light, to set souls aglow 
with loftier aspiration, and lead the truth-seeking with a loving 
hand into the temple of heavenly wisdom? 

Wherever he has spoken, he has been cordially invited to come again. 
He has lectured in all States of the American Union but three, — 
New York, Brooklyn, Philadelphia, Washington, Baltimore, Boston, 
Charlestown, Lowell, Portland, Worcester, Troy, Rochester, Buffalo, 
Cleveland, Detroit, Chicago, Rockford, Milwaukie, Springfield, St. 
Louis, Topeka, Lawrence, Omaha, Cincinnati, Indianapolis, Louis- 
ville, Nashville, San Francisco, Sacramento, New Orleans, Mobile, — 
the principal cities, and in innumerable villages and country districts 
in every compass of the land, — also in Canada West. He has attended 
nearly all the National conventions, multitudes of State conventions, 
associations, and mass meetings. He is scarcely ever enabled to supply 

Adams, Frances D. Gage, H. Clay Preuss, Mrs. J. H. Conant, Emma Tuttle, S. C. Coffin- 
berry, Amanda T. Jones, Belle Bush, and Lita Barney Sayles who charges me, — 

" ' Gruax*d well thy head; nor trust thy life's refrain 
To Reason cold. 
Consult the heart; their verdict then shall keep 
Thee young when old." ' 

All these, I know, have a friendly word for the ' Pilgrim,' their wandering brother. 



THE GOLD THAT WEARS. 109 

the demand upon his'services. In some places he has spoken the third, 
fourth, fifth, and even sixth time at monthly engagements, and in no 
city is he so popular as in Battle Creek. He has exchanged pulpits 
with a Congregationalist, with Rev. Mumford and other Unitarians, 
and with Universalists ; but in other instances the latter refused their 
pulpits in Milford, Mass., Neenah, Wis., and Auburn, N.Y., &c. 
During an able speech delivered in the latter city, in the opera-house, 
reported by " The Daily News," he aptly said, i( Ordained by a former 
pastor of that congregation in this city, and cherishing a home-like 
feeling for the citizens of this section, I am reminded of the Naza- 
rene's words, ' He came to his own, and his own received him not.' 
If universal salvation shuts out men from the churches here, would it 
not, narrowed down in its creedal tendencies, shut out men from the 
great Church triumphant in the heaven of heavens ? " Incident to 
so vast a work, he recoils within himself at times, patient in his 
impatience, but trustful as Polycarp, who, going to martyrdom, heard 
a spirit-voice say, " Polycarp, be firm ! " In a letter to a friend, 
he says, — 

"I will drink the cup that destiny holds to my lips, and labor on manfully and bravely, 
till the earth-life is finished, and those harpstrings from the summer land beyond the 
river welcome me home." 

In the fall of 1867, Mr. and Mrs. Peebles moved from Battle 
Creek to Hammonton, New Jersey, hoping for a more lucrative local- 
ity for a living. The parting hour will never be forgotten : the 
4 ' good-byes" were genuine, such as angels never say but ever feel. 
A slip from " The Banner of Light " expresses the deep love the 
friends there always cherish for them both : — 

" Battle Creek, Mich., Nov. 4, 1867. 

" Messes. Editors, — The name of J. M. Peebles has long been inscribed on the folds 
of " The Banner of Light; " and I now ask you to let that of his excellent wife occupy a 
small space for a brief season, as it has long held a high place in the hearts of her friends 
here, where they have so long made their home. Mrs. Peebles is an efficient co-worker 
in the cause of truth with her most able and widely-known husband, though in a more 
contracted sphere; and we feel that our society is losing one of its brightest ornaments 
in her departure for her new home in the East. 

" A few evenings since a ' surprise ' was given her by a few of her friends, and a small 
1 token ' of regard was presented on the occasion, when the following address was read, 
and very neatly and appropriately replied to by Mrs. Peebles: — 

" Mrs. Peebles, — We, your friends of the society with which you have so long 
been identified, have met here this evening to express our sorrow that you are no more 
to be with us in our meetings or social gatherings. During the years you have been 



110 THE SPIRITUAL PILGRIM. 

with us, we have ever felt that your noble and true life shed a holy influence on all with 
whom you were brought in contact ; and, that in you we had a faithful adviser, a genial 
companion, and a true friend. You have ever been earnest to aid us in every good work, 
and we know we shall not soon cease to regret your absence from our midst, or find 
your place adequately filled in our association. We beg you to accept this slight token 
of our affectionate regard. May you, in your new home, find contentment and happi- 
ness amid other friends who will appreciate your true worth. 

" ' It seems appropriate that one so much beloved should receive this notice. 

D. M. B." 

" November has come, and with it dreary autumn days, — days of gloom and sorrow 
to some, brought around by every departing summer. But a deeper, darker cloud has 
come over us, — the departure of Brother Peebles and his dear wife for a new home in 
New Jersey. Brother Peebles has been with us most of the time nearly eleven years, 
and during all those years has been steadily gaining influence and friends among all 
classes of citizens, and, I will say, all who ever ' progressed upwards.' j. b." 

From the many testimonies of love, we clip this little gem written 
by Hudson Tuttle, then editor-in-chief of " The American Spiritual- 
ist : " — 

" J. M. Peebles. — This well known author, student, and speaker is the St.. John of 
the New Dispensation. If we desired a portrait of that loved disciple of Jesus, Brother 
Peebles should sit for it. We hope the beloved of Old equaled that of the New in all- 
embracing charity, unselfishness of character, and a love which extends from the high- 
est to the lowest." . . '. 

George A. Bacon, of the editorial corps in same paper, says of our 
" Pilgrim : " — 

" We now recall no other writer in all our ranks who has given so many smoothly- 
flowing, richly-colored and beauty-laden expressions. They thickly adorn his every 
page, as the glittering stars gem the heavens. His sentences are replete with musical 
cadences, and seem to flow as naturally as birds warble. They are not only rhetorically 
felicitous, but what is additionally better, they bear the seed-grains of deep thought and 
profound truth. . . . 

" Infinitely superior to all the dazzling sheen of verbal euphony, is the simplest utter- 
ance of an eternal, immortal truth. Our brother does not forget this cardinal point. 
Notwithstanding his tendency to pictorial speech, he believes with St. Jerome, that 
1 truth told inelegantly is better than eloquent falsehood.' " 

Corresponding with friends to glean facts for this work, we re- 
ceived the following : — 

" Battle Creek, Mich. 
" Brother Barrett, — ... When Mr. Peebles took charge of our society in 1857, we 
were proud, — proud of our leader and members. He has always been an honor to Spirit- 
ualism. I do not know of an exception where any one that ever knew him, however 
low or inferior, so called, but felt he was a friend. ... I would to God the world had 
more such men ! May his star never grow dim ! . . . 

"Your Sister, Rhoda A. Loomis." 



THE GOLD THAT WEARS. Ill 

" Dear Brother Barrett, — ... Indentified from its early day with the cause of 
modern Spiritualism, with unparalleled fidelity, Mr. Peebles has adhered to and an- 
nounced the convictions of his soul, manfully braving the battles of opposition through 
which this new and blessed religion, by the help of the angels, has been developed into a 
moral and spiritual power now infiltrating spiritual life, strength, and vitality into all 
organized religious bodies of whatever name, character, or profession, — and that, too, 
though they despised, denied, and rejected these glorious truths. 

" Endowed with fine natural qualifications as a poet, moralist, reformer, and teacher, 
he has also added the rare graces of scholarship and culture ; and, better still, has beau- 
tifully developed those inward graces of the spirit which exalt and refine life, and 
make expression, thought, and act, lofty, loving, and true. 

" With admirable zeal, all these rich endowments and choice attainments are conse- 
crated to the good of humanity and the cause of truth and right everywhere. What 
better consecration than this? What brighter fulfillment of the soul's highest promise? 
A life of aspiration, love, prayer, purity, and earnest practical work will always lead to 
the heavenly paradise prepared for the sainted upon earth. 
" Your friend with esteem, 

"Elvira Wheelock Euggles." 

"J. 0. Barrett: My Dear Friend, — ... J. M. Peebles has been instrumental 
in leading me, as he has a host of others, into spiritual freedom. He is a full-orbed 
man, versatile. His secret forte as a speaker and writer, and his success in building up 
spiritual societies and banding our people together in great brotherhoods and sister- 
hoods of peace and harmony, lie in the fact that he blends the excellence of intellect 
and culture with the sublimities of the ideal and spiritual. His many disinterested kind- 
nesses and tender charities have blessed hundreds ; his broad, fraternal sympathies have 
given him a wonderful universality, endearing him to thousands. He ever succors the 
weak, strengthens the weary, encourages the down-trodden, resurrects into newness of 
life the morally dead. He is an advocate of temperance, woman's equality with man, 
freedom, — social, political, and religious; and, soaring aloft into the pure ether of love, 
he takes strong ground against war- Yours, very fraternally, 

" Cephas B. Lynn." 

" Dear Bro. Barrett. . . . Pre-eminent among Bro. Peebles's public services 
are his great and indefatigable labors in the cause of Spiritualism. With voice and pen 
he has been one of its foremost as well as ablest advocates and defenders. Brave and 
fearless, where many have been proved cowards ; faithful among the faithless, let the 
fair-browed angel of memory plant a rose-wreath of sweet recollections, gathered from 
the holy inspirations of love, truth, and beauty, which, for all time, the bright examples 
of a noble, pure life must ever inspire. Sincerely yours, 

" Addison A. Wheelock." 

Recounting the agencies at work in the Great West, Emma Har- 
dinge says, in her estimable work, " The History of Modern Spirit- 
ualism in America," — 

" Another of the ' Western Institutions,' and one which has wrought an incalculable 
amount of good and use in the community, is Mr. J. M. Peebles. By his scholarly writ- 
ings, and indefatigable labors as a lecturer, Mr. Peebles has been a gigantic lever in 
moving public opinion in favor of spiritual belief, and the repudiation of the effete super- 
stition of old orthodoxy. Being a graceful and accomplished orator, Mr. Peebles's ser- 



112 THE SPIRITUAL PILGRIM. 






vices are in eager demand throughout the whole community ; but, as the scene of his 
earliest and most widely-diffused efforts, the West undoubtedly claims him for her own, 
and as such he is numbered amongst her jewels, and forms a distinguished part of her 
spiritual wealth." 

If Mr. Peebles is injured, he lays it to heart, grieves over it, feels 
resistance and the " late remorse of love," defends the right, confesses 
the wrong ; but is sure to forgive and ask forgiveness, when the good 
angel attends in the way of reconciliation. His is the spirit of the 
venerable Victor Hugo, in his address to the German people, when 
they were sending an army to bombard Paris : — 

" If you assault Paris, we shall defend it to the last extremity ; we shall fight with 
all our strength against you ; but we declare we shall continue to be your brothers. 
And your wounded, do you know where we shall place them ? in the palace of the 
Nation. We shall assign the Tuilleries in advance as a hospital for wounded Prussians. 
There will be the field-hospital of your brave, imprisoned soldiers, and it is there our 
women shall go to care for and succor them. Your wounded shall be our guests; we 
will treat them loyally, and Paris will receive them into her Louvre." 

Writing Dr. Dunn, who had lost valuable property by fire, Mr. 
Peebles, sealing his promise with a generous donation of life-long 
duration, says, — 

" As flax never begins to be useful till pulled and laid out to die and rot, so I intend 
to be of more service to you when my old body is rotting than I possibly can be now. 
. . . You lost not a truth, not a useful fact, nor scientific formula. Your furniture 
is gone, but not your reputation. This latter is much harder to gain than the former. 
Your books may have been burned ; but so much of their contents as by faithful appli- 
cation you had stored away in your brain remains unharmed. All the disappointments 
and losses of life teach us the importance of laying up treasures in the intellect and soul. 
Such are beyond the destroying hand of earthly elements. Such only can serve us when 
the death-angel knocks, bidding us lay down the pilgrim-staff, and plunge beneath the 
waves of the rolling Jordan." 

Again he says, in another letter, intended only for the eye of the 
recipient : — 

" I wept when reading your letter. It took me back to Battle Creek, where first I 
met you and showered upon you my very soul-tenderness. Even the occasional thorns 
of those times have faded from remembrance, and only the flowers freshen into sweet 
remembered realities." 

A healing physician, of great success, tried to tempt him by proffer 
of money to travel with him in Europe. The man was gaining at the 
rate of sixty dollars per day. Mr. Peebles declined. His reasons 
were given to a bosom friend in a private note : — 



THE GOLD THAT WEAKS. 113 

" He certainly performs most wonderful cures ; but his sphere is morally repellent. 
He smokes, drinks, &c. I will sooner go without money than form the alliance. In a 
few years, I shall be where money is of no account. Purity and goodness are the coin 
of heaven." 

These jets of loving sarcasm, falling like quickening shivers of 
lightning from the cloud, engraving the image of soul upon paper, 
were called out by our trials in the Universalist ministry, when, like 
a little boy, we sought a hand that had been sinewed by similar 
storms and labors. What buoyancy in the words which Mr. Peebles 
showered upon us ! We recall them into form for the benefit of 
others who may be likewise sentenced to crucifixion : — 

" Providence, R.I., Oct. 26, 1865. 

"My son Joseph, — You ought to be persecuted, — accused of being a 'wine-bibber 
and a seducer; ' ought to be compelled to wander about in ' sheepskins and goatskins,' to 
be ' cast into prison,' and then let out to eat ' grass ' like your brother Nebuchadnezzar. 
Then you would begin to be worth something for the use of God and his angels. . . . 

" All higher births are through sorrow and suffering. Such is the divine order. Hence 
my prayer is, 'Mortals, pierce him; angels, give him thorns to tread upon: for feet that 
bleed are on the way to see the head crowned ! Great Father in heaven, hold him ten- 
derly, lovingly, in thy hands ; for he is a dear child of thine and brother of mine, just 
pluming his wings for a flight into the realms of the gods ! Amen.' " 

Again he writes, in a letter from Cincinnati, dated Dec. 5, 1866 : — 

..." Your trials, my dear brother, have truly commenced. You will find God's 
grace sufficient, and his angels ever, ever present. They never forsake the true soul. 
You say you have ' already been sold, betrayed.' Jesus was betrayed before you. Yes, 
persecution must come ; and I feel just now like preaching a sermon to you from this 
text in Rev. i. 9: 'I, John, who also am your brother in tribulation, and in the king- 
dom and patience of Jesus Christ.' 

" And did not Jesus say to the disciples, ' In the world ye shall have tribulation ; but 
be of good cheer, I have overcome the world ' ? ' Which of the prophets have not your 
fathers persecuted ? ' asks one of the anciently-inspired men. My brother, you must 
expect all these things. It is God's method. Martyrs' feet have always bled ; but oh, 
the brilliancy of their crowns in heaven ! 

" This life, at best, is but the shadow of that more substantial life to come. Let us 
live for the future by being patient, true, brave, and independent in the present." 

Trials make heroes. Tempted, yet sinless, is true progress. Sub- 
lime is Mr. Peebles's moral indignation. He spares not a shred of en- 
mity to right. During his lecturing in Detroit, — vast congregations, 
working in beautiful order, — the new constitution of the Spiritual 
Society was sent to the Detroit " Tribune " for publication, when the 
editor appended some belittling criticisms to please the Church, no 



114 THE SPIRITUAL PILGRIM. 

doubt. Taking these comments into the desk, Mr. Peebles lashed 
that editor with a whip of scorpions. When wrought up, his sar- 
casm and invective are scathing as lightning ! Earnest in his 
righteous wrath, he threw the paper upon the floor, stamped upon it, 
and shouted home the charge : "Republicans, take the ' Post ' ! Demo- 
crats, take the ' Times ' ! " Then the crowd, electrified, hurrahed with 
a vim. 

Glancing into a letter addressed by Mr. Peebles to Mr. Wilson, of 
Harmonia, 1859, we clipped out the following : — 

..." By the way, one of the last slanders on the docket is this: I was seen to get off 
from the cars in Detroit with a woman, and go with her on board the steamer for the 
Canada side. Horrid ! This occurred last summer : it leaked out a while since, and 
turned out to be my wife on her way to St. Lawrence County. The Presbyterian ' bab- 
bler,' when faced about it, confessed that he did not know Mrs. Peebles, but thought it 
was some strange woman. Surely, if the best fruit is the most clubbed, I am ripe, mel- 
low, fallen, and ready to be eaten. No matter, let us comfort ourselves with the words, 
' Blessed are ye when men shall revile,' &c. How beautiful God's law that sends slan- 
derer and slandered, the wrong-doer and the wronged, each to his appropriate place. 
The heavens xind the hells await each and all." . . . 

Hearing of wicked conduct practiced in certain circles, Mr. Peebles 
severely rebuked the parties. One of these, envious and " filthy 
still," trying to screen himself, reported Mr. Peebles as a patron of 
such circles ! His indignation knew no bounds. When the leerish 
fellow also declared that Mr. Peebles had forsaken his wife, making 
it common talk, he reviewed the man and his villainy before his 
audience, and gave him such a "dressing-down," and allconnected 
with him, that the congregation surged like the stormy sea. That 
was the last of the story. The culprit wished a millstone were 
around his neck to carry him down to oblivion. 

" Outlooking eyes that seek and scan, 
Ready to love what they behold^ 
Quick reverence for his brother man ; 
Quick sense where gilding is not gold." 

On another occasion, whilst in an Eastern city, a Unitarian minis- 
ter, professionally liberal and radical, careful not to spot his garments 
by touching against a Spiritualist, reported him as infidel to his 
domestic responsibilities, and a " brazen free-lover, who did not live 
with his wife ! " Coming from such a source, it had its influence, of 
course, to forestall his success. Hearing of the lie-, and believing that 



THE GOLD THAT WEAKS. 115 

mincing minister morally needed a lesson to study (having before 
learned of his cunning to entrap Spiritualists, in Janesville, Wis., by 
promising a free house to them, as well as others, if they would help 
build it, and afterward shut the door in their faces, and virtually 
drove them out), he went direct to a distinguished lawyer, who ad- 
dressed the " divine " a letter. The sequel is described by a pure 
and noblewoman, — Mother Whittier, of Fox Lake, Wis., — in a 
communication to " The Spiritualist: " — 

" All honor to that wise man, J. M. Peebles! While in an Eastern town, about to 
lecture, one of the present Sanhedrim, — just as potent as the old Jewish — said to in- 
dividuals, ' Don't go to hear that man; he is licentious, lives with another man's wife,' 
&c. Brother Peebles just stepped into a lawyer's office and commenced an action. The 
result: a humble acknowledgment, which condemned the man as a liar and slanderer.'" 

Mr. Peebles was invited to lecture in Earl's Grove, 111., just after 
a revival of religion. Instigated by the manipulations of the Church, 
the boys hurled stones at the schoolhouse, and, peeping in at the win- 
dows, yelled, " Put him out, — put out the old blasphemer!" Mr. 
Peebles then poured grape-shot, upon the falses of the Church-system 
in so heroic a manner persecution changed to admiration. 
, Whilst lecturing in Princeton,' 111., on the "atonement," — argu- 
ing that Jesus was begotten like other men, in harmony with the re- 
lational laws of life, and that he would be ashamed to slide into 
heaven on the merits of another, — a churchman, scenting heresy, 
bounded to his feet, brandishing a green umbrella, and exclaimed, — 

" You are a bold blasphemer, an infidel: you will have to answer 
for this in the day of judgment. I wonder the Almighty does not 
strike you speechless ! " 

" I hope the brother," calmly remarked Mr. Peebles, " feels better 
after being relieved of so much pious nausea." 

This exasperated him ; and he rushed out, stamping his feet, slam- 
ming the door after him as he departed. The confusion having sub- 
sided, Mr. Peebles playfully said, — 

" The chaff always flies before the gospel fan ! " 

Notwithstanding a rare refinement of character, and a deep sense 
of politeness, Mr. Peebles is awkwardly forgetful and habitually ab- 
sent-minded, being absorbed in the ideal kingdom which sucks him 
up like a sponge. 

He had an appointment in Indiana, — was then at Chicago ; the 



116 THE SPIRITUAL PILGRIM. 

train would start at ten o'clock precisely. Having an hour at his 
command, he seated himself in the sitting-room of the Union depot, 
reading a book of ancient religion, and forgot appointment and cars ; 
oblivious to the confusion around him, till one hour beyond the time. 

" Pretty business this ! " he exclaimed ; " this living in two worlds, 
fitted for neither." When he has "just peeped out of the shell" as 
he calls the dying process, and happens to find an ancient history 
" lying round loose," it is conjectural whether he will not miss the 
train for heaven. We suggested such a fate to him ; and his answer 
was, — 

" Well, the other place, then ! to build an under-ground railroad 
up to the New Jerusalem ! " 

" Maybe they'll make you superintendent of that department," we 
added, — " an appointment you are well qualified to fill." Looking 
at us from head to foot, he rapturously replied, — 

" And I will appoint you prime-conductor of the train loaded with 
spirits from hell bound for eternal glory ! Did not Jesus preach to 
spirits in prison ? Then let us bear a hand in their redemption." 

Being at our residence one summer, the weather wet and chilly, 
the wind blowing in upon him through a broken glass, he took a 
sheet of paper, whistling and thinking, and beating time with his 
foot, and nicely pinned it to the sash. 

" There, Olive," he said at last, " see how well I have fixed the 
window for you ! " 

Olive, glancing at it, laughed outright. 

" What are you laughing at, girl ? " 

" Why, you have fixed the wrong pane : that one is whole ! " 

" So I have," he replied, jumping up, Indian style ; so I have, — 
just like me ! Don't tell Joseph." 

During a lecturing June month, in Rockford, 111., he and Dr. 
Dunn boarded at T. M. Clark's, an earnest Spiritualist. Greens 
were a great rarity then. Succeeding in getting barely enough for 
dinner, Mrs. Clark nicely prepared them, that each might have a 
share from the big pie-plate on which they were richly piled. Mr. 
Peebles was earnestly descanting upon Mohammed's flight to heaven. 
Passing the plate to him, Mr. Clark asked, — 

" Have some greens, Mr. Peebles? " 

" Oh, yes ! I'm very fond of greens, — -* thank you ; " and politely 
took the plate, set it beside his own, put on pepper and vinegar, and 



THE GOLD THAT WEARS. 117 

deliberately devoured the whole contents. The doctor looked ; Mrs. 
Clark blushed ; Mr. Clark thought, " How queer he is ! " Noth- 
ing was said, of course, about the impoliteness ; but when these two 
pilgrims were in their room, the doctor asked, " Peebles, how's 
greens?" 

" How's greens ! what do you mean ? " 

" Why, you ate up all the greens : I wanted some, and so did the 
rest." 

" Did I do that? I did, Charlie, — what shall I do? Eat all the 
greens, — all, — all ? " 

The joke was too good to be suppressed ; and Mr. Peebles made 
an apology so handsome, that it became a by-word to say, " Peebles, 
how's greens ? " 

One winter's evening at Galva, 111., Mr. Peebles and his medium 
were sitting together in their room, awaiting the lecture-service. 
About an hour before the time, a spirit said, — 

" You should center your mind on your subject: we inspire only 
the active brain." 

"What subject?" thought Mr. Peebles. 

u The relations of the finite with the infinite." 

He paced the floor, catching the light, for a few moments ; and put 
on his overcoat, gloves, and furs,- head drooping in meditation. 
Starting at a brisk pace, they passed three or four blocks, when the 
doctor chanced to look up. 

" Ha, ha, ha, J. M. ! where's your hat?" 

" Sure enough, no hat on ! " and back he ran through the busy 
street, like a frightened boy. 

Returning, he laughingly said, " The foxes have holes, and the 
birds of the air have nests, but the son of man hath no hat for his 
head ! What's a hat? You are all after hats and gewgaws. ' The 
head is not for the hat, but the hat is for the head,' says Henry C. 
Wright ; and have we not a right to take it off, or put it on, as we do 
theology? In the ' day of judgment' it will not be asked, ' How's 
your hat ? ' remember that, my boy ! " 

Lecturing in Sturgis, Mr. Peebles discoursed upon " hell." In 
the heat of his eloquence, he exclaimed, " Were I a saint in heaven, 
and friends, humanity, not there, I would look down the battlements 
into hell, lay aside my golden robe, cast my crown at the feet of the 
Almighty, shock the heirs of glory, rush into the fires of damnation, 
and seize my doomed brother ! " — 



118 THE SPIRITUAL PILGRIM. 

Grasping the doctor by the hair of his head, he lifted him with 
one hand from the sofa. The congregation in a titter, Mr. Peebles 
seemed to rush the angels in, transporting hell to heaven ! 

" Macaulay remarks that absent-mindedness is the mark of either 
a genius or a fool. A man's mind may be so intensely occupied 
with lofty intuitions and inspirations, that his senses, seemingly, are 
scarcely awake to the realities of this tangible world." 

Sir Isaac Newton, it is said, being intent on some great subject, 
requested that the fire be moved. " It would be easier for you to 
move," said his servant. "Oh, I did not think of that!" replied 
the philosopher. One day, Pere Gratry, director of the academy in 
Paris, when going to the Sorbonne, where he lectured on theology, 
imagined he had forgotten his watch, and took it out of his pocket 
to see if he had time to go and fetch it. But this hardly beats Mr. 
Peebles. In Philadelphia, he purchased a new work, entitled, " The 
Bible in India," by Louis Jacolliot,. a French judge. Waiting for 
the cars in the depot, he became completely absorbed in it, when, 
hearing the bustle, he rushed up to the ticket-master, and, looking 
him staringly in the eye, exclaimed, — 

" The Bible in India ! " 

" What? " said the ticket-master. 

" Price of the Bible in India ! " 

Just then another gentleman asked for a ticket, and he came to 
himself, so chagrined ; and blushingly and meekly he said, — 

" Ticket, good sir, for Chicago." 

Mr. Peebles besieges heaven and earth for truth. He moves the 
Spirit, that the Spirit may move him. His devotions rise into fire- 
flashing billows that bear him aloft. He pens what he gleans, and 
voices them in speech and papers and books. Pie is a spiritual 
economist, making all his wares think. He speaks by inspiration ; 
but the nimble pen is sure to indite what saith the Spirit. By such 
discipline he is able to stir the people, and engrave his identity upon 
the age. In the effort to hide himself, he finds himself. This 
modest verse of Emma S. Ledsham's pleases his ideal of imper- 
sonality : — 

" Names and titles are but snowfl akes 
Melting on Time's storm-swept shore: 
When we cross the silent river, 
They are known no more." 



THE GOLD THAT WEARS. 119 

What Mr. Peebles reads must be practical, — have a moral sig- 
nificance for the age. Time is too precious to peruse defunct theol- 
ogy. He admires the good sense of Ernestine L. Rose. Professor 
Bush once made her a present of Swedenborg's treatise on " Heaven 
and Hell." " Thank you, Professor," said she, putting the book 
under the cushion of the sofa, " my daily duties are enough for me : I 
shall attend to heaven or hell when I find myself in either." 

In style, it is said, Mr. Peebles's writings resemble the floridness and 
diction of S. B. Brittan's. He almost lives on books. He has by far 
the best library containing the philosophies of the " Mystics " and 
Neo-Platonists, in America. Ensconced in his library, with his angel, 
he is just the happiest man, — like a child in a garden of flowers* 
Never shall we forget his joy, which he actually indicated in kisses 
upon the books, when he received from England, at a great expense, 
the "Anacalypsis," " Bhagavat G-eeta," " Rig Veda Sanhita," 
"Asiatic Researches," " Divine Pymander," " Proclus," " Ploti- 
nus," and several volumes of the Mystics. 



CHAPTER XIII. 

CORRESPONDENCE WITH SPIRITS. 

" There's a land far away 'mid the stars, we are told, 

Where they know not the sorrows of time ; 
Where the pure waters wander through valleys of gold, 

And life is a treasure suhlime. 
>Tis the land of our God, 'tis the home of the soul, 
Where ages of splendor eternally roll, 
Where the way- weary traveler reaches his goal, 

On the evergreen mountains of life." — James Gr. Clark. 

More childlike in habits, the law of mental telegraphing prac- 
tically understood, and correspondence with spirits will be as common 
and reliable as is our every-day life. It is something worth the 
struggle and the cost of social purification, to establish spirit-batteries 
in different parts of our globe, as news-depots from the heavenly 
countries, concerning the new institutions, expeditions, conventions, 
world-congresses, arts, sciences, children's convocations, discoveries, 
and general improvements peculiar to spirit-life. Such intelligence, 
constantly opening upon us, will quicken the inhabitants of earth 
to loftier, diviner ambition. It is coming ! let us be patient in well- 
doing. 

The few letters subjoined are both real and beautiful, throbbing 
with living thought most fascinating to the reader who loves to feel 
the very souls of the angels breathing around us. Mr. Peebles fre- 
quently held correspondence with spirits through J. V. Mansfield, 
but these we give were through the mediumship of Dr. Dunn : — 

"Earth-Life, Painesville, Ohio, July 9, 1864. 

" Brother op the Better Land, — ... The name of your spirit home, ' Pear- 
Grove Cottage,' charms me ; it is musical with thought. Plant me a tree near the borders 
of the garden, fronting your cottage, that, when I drop the staff and put off the pilgrim 
sandals, I may sit in your presence, beneath its foliage, listening to your words of wis- 
dom. . . . What of pre-existence ? I believe it. What of re-incarnation ? It's a ques- 
tion. . . . Am glad you spoke of my impressions. Could I draw the line of demarcation 
between impressions of spirits and the workings of my own mind, it would be more satis- 
120 



CORRESPONDENCE WITH SPIRITS. 121 

factory. But I can not, will not, palm off my own for those of spirits. It will not be 
honest. Until I can draw it, I must remain silent. . . . All worldly things are as husks, 
shells. Earthly fame, popularity, honor, fashion, glory, will fade away as mists. I am 
sick of fame and flattery; but sigh, oh! how my soul doth sigh for knowledge, truth, 
all things substantial and eternal ! I beg of you, as a circle, pursue that course with me 
that will result in the greatest good to humanity, and my own spiritual unfoldment ; be 
it thorns, chains, or prisons, it will be for the best, — the cup I drink ! . . . Bear my 
love to John : he is my soul's divine ideal. Wonder if he will permit me to examine his 
massive library ? if Perasee will allow me to accompany him on exploring expeditions 
to the stars ? if you, — Aaron Nite, will assist me to control the medium, and continue the 
converse with humanity? . . . Having heard your voice so much, I feel well acquainted 
with you ; but of John, I must say with the poet, — 

" ' I know thee not, — I never heard thy voice; 

Yet could I choose a friend from all mankind, 
Thy spirit high should be my spirit's choice, 
Thy heart should guide my heart, 
Thy mind, my mind.' 

"A word to dear Powhattan : Did you not walk with me on that stroll into the woods, 
the other day, where I plucked the red berries and wild flowers, cut the hemlock bough, 
and preached to the forest trees ? Oh, when shall I clasp your shining hand, look into 
your calm eyes, handle your spirit-bow, plumed with peace arrows ? . . . I have lately 
received a letter from Father Beeson of Washington, asking me to devote more time to 
the benefit of the Indians. Yes, I will do all in my power. God bless the Indians ! 
Remember me to the 'Pawnee Chief,' ' Red Jacket,' ' Black Hawk,' and others. Good 
night, precious brothers ! Affectionately, 

"J. M. Peebles." 

Traveling so extensively, and taking on so many diverse influences, 
Mr. Peebles was perplexed relative to the promised wonders of dif- 
ferent media. Pleased with the wisdom of certain spirits, and con- 
trasting it with pretended revelations, he exclaims, — 

" Oh, the twaddle and flowery flattery in certain circles! I am strongly inclined to 
Swedenborg's position. Great men are modest. When they come from the spirit w r orld 
egotistic and dictatorial, the reflective mind naturally doubts. Now, ' by their fruits ye 
shall know them.' This the equation: spirits the unknown quantity, media the 
known quantity, what the result ? Are we not justifiable in asking, Do not media, 
accustomed to control, reflect in their lives the moral status of their spirit-guides? " 

These moral queries, suggested to Aaron Nite, drew out the fol- 
lowing response : — 

''Morning Land, Pear-Grove Cottage, 
In the year of earth-life 1867, 5th month, and 16th day. 

" Friend Peebles, — ... You say you are growing skeptical. This is a very 
essential element in the soul of man. When a man ceases to doubt relative to men and 
spirits, he must attribute to them more than fallibility. . . . You speak despairingly of 



122 THE SPIRITUAL PILGRIM. 

the cause you have espoused. Do you remember the prediction I made several years 
since, respecting the separation of the good from the evil? The difference can only be 
learned by each one's serving in his true position. . . . The faith of thousands must yet 
be shaken, ere they can awake to the moral necessity of this sifting. You often mentally 
ask, ' What shall we do ? ' I answer, move ; sooner the better. You have ' overdone ' in 
your spiritual organizations ; re-action must come : remember what I say ! You have 
ignored from your platforms articles right in principle and necessary to union. When a 
man becomes a guest of your house, are you not morally responsible for his acts ? Ap- 
ply this rule to society. It is not the name, or claim of a man, that gives him caste in 
society, but a majority of his acts. . . . Spiritualism has suffered more at the hands of 
its friends than from its opposers. A large proportion of your present manifestations is 
the voice of spirits from the lower planes. There are flattering spirits from our side as 
from yours : therefore, ' try the spirits ; ' exercise your own judgment upon their teach- 
ings. Think of these things, my dear friend. Trim your lamp; for the night cometh, 
and beyond the darkest night is the morning. Thy brother, 

" Aaron NiTE.f " 



In silence Mr. Peebles often questioned " John." Without any ver- 
bal solicitation, Aaron Nite, acting as spirit-medium, communicated 
the answers through Dr. Dunn : — 

" Rockford, Nov. 8, 1864. 

"Brother of Earth, — Often do I approach thee, listening to thy soul-questions. 
Even though thou hast not asked, I will answer. 

" 1. Yes, my brother, I am grateful to the Father for the experiences of a lengthened 
earth-life. Had I the power to re-live those years, I would strive to have them more in 
harmony with divine law. But, as eternity rolls on, I more clearly see how the soul- 
trials which imbittered earth, only served to sweeten the delicious draughts of heaven. 

"2. Yes, I was educated in a Jewish school, my governor being an eminent sage, 
within whose bosom were locked the mysteries and symbols of the past. 

" 3. Certainly, I have been thy real spirit-guide from thy birth, though not so direct 
during thy early years of diverse disciplines ; for then thou wert passing through the initia- 
tive steps preparatory to the higher principles of wisdom. Thy many disappointments, 
developing a sterner manhood, will achieve for thee the crown of life. 

"4. In regard to the Gospels, I will briefly answer : We, the apostles, so called, never 
wrote the purported histories of Christ. The imperfect records you have are the treas- 
ured sayings of the apostles, as kept in the memories of Jewish scribes and sympathiz- 
ing Galileans. 

" 5. Thou askest, ' Could not Joshua, now called Jesus, write ? ' Certainly. But you 
say, ' Then why did he not, and why did not the apostles ? ' Because in that period 
there were scribes appointed to this calling. Thou canst set type ; but this business is 
left entirely to printers. 

" 6. Thou askest me about the Eleusinian mysteries. Schooled in the Aryan philoso- 
phies, I bad knowledge of those Egyptian and Grecian rites, and understood many of 
the ancient dialects. 

"Brother, complain not of thy abiding-place, the earth; for it is well that thou 
shouldst see the cloud bedimmed sun, also hard and diverse experiences, that thy very 
soul's sinews may be wrought upon, preparing thee for the tasks that await thee in the 
future. Work well thy mission, then, while on earth, and sweet shall be thy reward in 



COKESPONDENCE WITH SPIRITS. 123 

heaven ; and bright shall be thy hopes, and light thy burden in days yet thine, which 
mortality has not numbered; and sweet thy rest, leaning upon the bosom of thy 
brother — when thou art worthy. Thy guide, " John." 

Spirit-power is always limited by the organism through which it is 
manifest, and therefore has the mental measure and idiosyncracies 
of its media. One evening in September, 1863, Mr. Peebles being 
at home in his library-room, the medium was entranced, when Hosea 
Ballou appeared, took down the Bible, turned to the 9th chapter of 
Daniel, where it speaks of the angel Gabriel who touched the prophet 
" about the time of the evening oblation," and added, with a sweet 
dignity in his manner, u So, my brother, shall an angel appear to 
thee this night." This spirit retiring, another descended to the me- 
dium, giving his name " John," at that time unknown to Mr. Peebles, 
who delivered the following address to Aaron Nite, and Aaron Nite to 
Powhattan, and Powhattan word for word in labored accents to Dr. 
Dunn, and he to Mr. Peebles, requiring two hours in its articula- 
tion : — 

"Brother of Earth, — I come from the Elysian fields of the blest to greet a brother 
bound to me closely by the infinite law of attraction, — bound by a golden-textured web, 
woven from those ethereal substances that float in the ocean realms of space, which can 
never be decomposed or changed, only to bind more firmly the cords of affection. 

"Brother, I delight to descend from the spirit-regions of beatific bliss to aid and in- 
struct you. The cord of affection that unites us is divine. It can never be severed ; but 
the rapidity of your ascension must necessarily be in exact ratio with your aspirations 
and minglings with me in purity, love, and wisdom. 

" Dear brother, let not thy rising spirit sink. In moral, as in mathematical equations, 
opposites are indispensable. The universe must be balanced; pictures must have shad- 
ings ; only stormy seas can make skillful mariners, and thou, consciously gifted with 
soul-power, shouldst master the lesser circumstances, control conditions, and defy moral 
defects. Sometimes thou thinkest thy pathway strewn with piercing thorns ; then again 
in visions thou perceivest that fragrant blossoms outnumber them, and confess that thou 
art blessed beyond all blessing. Bemember, that sufferings are the chariots that bear 
balms and beatitudes to the super-sensuous man, dwelling in the courts of the inner 
temple. The SAveetest flowers are mingled with briars ; and why shouldst not thou, 
child ! occasionally suffer the stings that may pierce thy hands, when permitted to look 
forward to the beautiful roses thou shalt ultimately pluck along the margins of summer- 
land gardens, — roses moistened by dewdrops from the angel- world, and leaflets fanned 
by the waving of angelic wings ? Oh, that I could portray, or give thee some faint con- 
ception of, the surpassing splendor and beauty of the objective scenery that makes so 
radiant the table-lands of immortality ! But the winged pen of imagination tires, and 
mortal language utterly fails to impress upon the physical retina the brilliant and 
resplendent homes of the 'pure in heart.' Nought but the divinest ideas can inter- 
permeate the ever-increasing loveliness and imagery of our celestial abodes. 

" ' It doth not yet appear what we shall be.' Angelic beings hardly recognize time or 



124 THE SPIRITUAL PILGRIM. 

space, — their garments have been washed to crystal whiteness in the baptismal font of 
self-sacrifice ; and, in the quiet of dewy evenings, they delight to sail adown the electric 
streams that thread the spirit-land, freighted with love's sweetest messages to gladden 
the inhabitants of earth. Encircling and embowering their harmonial habitations in 
deathless foliage of ever- varying hue, — flowers that shed perfumes sweeter than those 
1 vials of odors' seen by an anciently inspired one in heaven; landscapes, begemmed 
with rubies and carpeted with emerald ; and pearly streams ever flowing o'er glittering 
sands, every gurgle of which is like psalms from seraphic choirs. 

"Brother of earth, go on; thy mission is beautiful: bear all thy trials and tribula- 
tions with a strong, manly heart; for, as 'twas said in the past, by the 'sweat of thy 
brow shalt thou earn thy bread ; ' merit the reputation of a moral hero, — a walking epistle 
of well doing, and that, too, though thou treadest the wine-press alone. When weary- 
ing in thy earthly pilgrimage, and tiring of thy uneven journey, reflect upon the New 
Jerusalem that awaits thee. Let thine eyes be cast toward heaven: let the key-note to 
thy nature be love ; thy guiding star, wisdom. Let thy soul go forth in aspirations of 
purity, holiness, and truth. Let thy hands be extended toward angels to ' bear thee up ; ' 
and though the earth should cease to move, and stars to shine, thy spirit shall ever shine 
like those brilliant stars of night that receive light and warmth from the many central 
suns of the great univercoelum ; and this central sun illumining thy spirit shall be inspira- 
tion, poured from the spiritual world, to guide thee to the portals of peace, where, when 
thine earth-mission shall have been well wrought, thou shalt recline on mounds of vel- 
vety moss, thy brow be intwined with myrtle, and decorated with rose-buds, and in the 
golden future thou shalt partake of the honeydew of eternal life and blessedness. 

"Now, nry dear brother, go on thy way rejoicing, for, though I depart from thy 
physical senses, I ever dwell with thee in thy spiritual or inmost sphere ; and, in a few 
short years of ripening experiences at most, thou shalt travel the shining shores of the 
heavenly existence, hand in hand with me, and thine attending spirit-band. 

"John ." 

In Portland, 1865, whilst physically sick, Mr. Peebles employed 
a leisure hour in writing the following reminder of spirit-presence. 
Weeping and praying as he wrote, there came at last this missive 
of love, his " Guide John responding : " " Souls, like flocks of white 
winged doves, descend, that they may ascend, leading others upward 
and homeward to Paradise." 

MY SPIRIT-GUIDE. 

" In celestial spheres above me, 

There's a spirit bright that loves me, 
And, wbite-robed, he turns eai'thward in evening-time; 

Wben surrounding souls are cheerful, 

Mine all sorrowing and tearful, 
He speaks musical as sainted vesper chime : 

" ' Tell me, brother dear, wby weep ye, 

Since a teacher conies to greet ye 
With seraphic words of love from realms afar?' 

Then with shining hand upon me, 

He pointed starward, above me, 
E'en to a golden temple with gates ajar. 



CORRESPONDENCE WITH SPIRITS. 125 

" Domes I saw, with arch and portal, 

Shimmering o'er a home immortal, 
Where bridal harpers breathed music soft for them, 

"Who, through soul-felt aspirations, 

Trials deep and tribulations, 
"Were found ' worthy ' of the Xew Jerusalem. 

" There, 'neath skies serene and golden, 

With saints, seers, and sages olden, 
Dwells an angel-brother, my immortal guide; 

And though his soul circle throneward, 

And his upward march is onward, 
He comes to cheer in the gray of eventide. 

" His calm presence now is near me, 
And his magic touch infills me 
With a harmony so holy and divine, 

That my soul with his seems blending, 
While a pleading prayer's ascending: 

thou blest inspirer ! seal me ever thine. 

" As a brother speaks to brothers : 
' Thou art mine, and not another's, 
And I'll guide thee till life's journeyings are o'er; 
When thy mortal's tending earthward, 
And thy spirit bounding birthward, 

1 will meet thee at my open temple door.' 

" Then was gone all earthly sadness, 

And I sung for very gladness, 
When fell the promise, as evangels of yore, 

Soft as dews on eastern mountains, 

Sweet as flowers by Kedron's fountains, 
Still breathing, ' Brother, I guide thee evermore.' " 



One evening in 1865, weary and nervous, Mr. Peebles sat in his 
study, sighing for light and rest, when a spirit, flooding the room 
with a golden atmosphere, pictured before the medium an arch, un- 
der which was unrolled a scroll, whereon was inscribed, — 

"Pilgrim Brother, — Be not discouraged while traveling in the valley of doubt 
and despair; for though the uncongenial rays of disappointment's sun may shine upon 
thee in thy wearied journey, and though hard may be thy tempest-tossed barque and 
storm-exposed couch, still thou dost gather bright pebbles of experience along thy un- 
welcome journey." 

Looking beyond, the medium saw this " Pilgrim " under a shade, 
fainting in his journey, and over him stood an angel, bathing his 
forehead with crystal water, and pointing upward to fruit on the 
over-shadowing tree ; and she said, — 



126 THE SPIRITUAL PILGRIM. 

" Then, Pilgrim Brother! having passed the valley of doubt and despair, and hav- 
ing so long gazed upon the evergreens that bedeck the mountain-sides of peace and rest, 
thou shalt in the bright hereafter be sheltered beneath the branches of fadeless foliaged 
leaves upon those mountain-sides of peace and love, there to partake of the fruits of ever- 
lasting life, and drink from the crystal fountains of wisdom and love. These, all these, 
shall be thine, when thy weary earth-pilgrimage shall have been ended, and the explo- 
rations of satisfactory research shall its unending course begin. E." 



CHAPTER XIV. 

THE MOSAIC OP WIT. 

" True sympathy, a light that grows 

And broadens like the Summer morn's; 
A hope that trusts before it knows, 
Being out of tune with all the scorns. 

" For such a leader lifts his times 
Out of the limits of the night, 
And, falling grandly, while he climbs, 
Falls with his face towards the hight." — M. B. Smedley. 

Since becoming a Spiritualist, Mr. Peebles has a wonderful tact 
at balancing himself, as an eagle poised for battle. -If his brain is 
exhausted and a playmate is handy, instantly he is in a frolic, bois- 
terous as the whirlpool-winds of summer. Then he is refreshed for 
another mental labor. Often have we sat with him at a table, writ- 
ing, intent upon some great subject of value to us both, waiting, and 
thinking to see it in its true light for incorporation into expressive 
words, when there would come the quaintest joke or the sharpest hit 
of the ludicrous, that would seem to scatter the ideal into shreds, till 
it appeared so little ! When the uproarious season subsided, then the 
brain was luminous with new force, and back would rush the exiled 
thought clothed in golden drapery so enchanting, as if it had just 
bathed itself in a fresh fountain of immortal beauty. 

His correspondence abounds in witticisms. When alluding to trials 
or disappointments, he often turns all into a focus of sunlight to burn 
up the darkness, and in this way keeps himself in better balance. 

Burns is one of his favorite poets ; and he delights to quote his hit3 
against popular theology like this : — 

" AuM Orthodoxy lang did grapple, 
But now she's got an unco ripple; 
Haste, gie her name up i' the chapel, 

Nigh unto death. 
See how she fetches at the thropple, 
And gasps for breath! " 

127 



128 THE SPIRITUAL PILGRIM. 

Addressing us a letter reviewing the checkered scenes of life, he 

says, — 

"I am a pilgrim. Have here no continuing city. God is my father ; Earth is my 
mother; Jesus, my elder brother ; John, my spirit-guide; and among my very distant 
cousins is Je-ho-ka, the ancient spirit-guide of Moses." 

Finding him more attached to Pagan philosophers than Christian 
churchmen building up sects, we playfully criticised him in a private 
letter, which suggested the following : — 



DO - 



" A clerical brother, for whom we cherish a deep heart-fellowship, writing us a while 
since, commenced his fraternal epistle thus, ' My Dear Heathen Brother.'' The appella- 
tion charmed us. If we are to find the legitimate meaning of ' Christian ' in the prevail- 
ing Christianity of this age, with its wars and pious wickedness, and if Pythagoras and 
Democritus, Empedocles and Aristides, Confucius and the Neo-Platonists of later times, 
were types of heathenism, count us ever a ' heathen.'' 

" Will not our ' Christian ' brother join with us in singing a new doxology? — 

" ' To Chrishna, Plato, Jesiis, 

"With mystics, seers, and sages, 
Be honor and glory given 
Through everlasting ages.' n 

Mr. Peebles is an Aristomenes, sure to escape caverns of his own 
digging by the leadership of some stray fox. During one of his 
speeches in Decatur, Mich., he ascended to a pitch of defiant elo- 
quence, and then thundered down upon his hearers after this style : 
"Let no man who swears come within four feet of me; six feet, 
who chews tobacco ; ten feet, who drinks whisky." 

After this explosion, he cooled down a little, and touched the kinder 
sympathies of his auditors. In the rear of the house, sat a dignified 
judge, somewhat " over the bay," amusing himself at the orator's 
somersets. Basing, he deliberately came toward the desk, com- 
mented upon "the eloquence of the speaker just seated," and sug- 
gested that he be paid for his services, "as no man can travel and 
work so without money, and I propose to make him a donation." 
Putting his huge hand into his pocket, he drew out a half-eagle, and 
stepped back from the desk just four feet, saying, " I sometimes 
swear." Then stepped back six feet, — "I chew tobacco;" then 
ten feet, — "I drink whisky ; " and at that distance held out his 
long arm toward Mr. Peebles, looking him compiaisantly in the eye, 
squealing out, "Here is a half-eagle, sir!" and then quietly put it 
into his pocket, with the air of a Chinese sovereign. There was no 



THE MOSAIC OF WIT. 129 

chance for a retort ; the house was in a perfect uproar, his own 
laughter loud as the rest ; and, when still again, he dignifiedly thanked 
the judge for his " generous donation, — a gentleman whom he would 
never forget." And he never did. The severe joke taught him not 
to defy men by measure of distances ; but to take them by the hand, 
and hold upon their hearts till they twain shall be one spirit. 

As is his custom in visiting places where he had previously labored, 
he called, at Oswego, upon a clear old woman whom everybody styled 
" grandmother," and, after the usual greeting, she said, — 

" Why, Mr. Peebles, I knew you when a little boy ! Your folks 
were Baptists ; and you were a blessed Baptist. After you grew up 
to a man, you came here a Universalist minister ; and now you've 
come again, this time a Spiritualist. Well, I never ! and where will 
you go next ? " 

Peebles was too full of a roguish courtesy to disturb her mind, ex- 
cept by an occasional encouraging word : — 

" Free your mind, grandmother : it will do you good." 

" Why, you will drag us all down to hell ! " 

" No danger of you, grandmother," he coaxingly said, patting her 
on the shoulder: " don't you believe the Bible? We nowhere read 
of the damnation or salvation of women." 

" Well, now, that's just like you ; always turning sacred things 
into fun ; always just as full of your sin as you can be. Dear James, 
why don't you repent? Why don't you, before it is too late? A 
Baptist, a Universalist, a Spiritualist ! where will you go next ? " 

" Where? ha, ha ! if there is any thing better, I am going ; come 
on ! I am going, going, going, for ever going ! " 

Seated in our wigwam on the shore of Elkhart Lake, one afternoon, 
he full of frolic, we in serious intent of feeling r for we were talk- 
ing about the hour of death, when he exclaimed, — 

" When I kick out of this old shell, I want my head cut off, and, after being cleaned 
up, the skull given to Dr. Dunn for use in his lectures, he stating to the audience whose 
it once was, whilst hitting it a ringing crack to arrest attention. This disposal of my 
head is understood by my wife and sister, Mrs. C. C. Beach, who consented to my plea, 
amid tears, at which I laughed. At my funeral, I want a brass band playing a lively air; 
and for bearers I must have an Indian, a Negro, a German, a Frenchman, an Englishman, 
an Italian, an American, and as many other national representatives as can conveniently 
be selected. Now, remember ! Put the body in a white coffin. Be sure and have sing- 
ing at the grave. Engage two inspirational speakers, one of whom I shall entrance to 
address the people. You maybe there, J. H. Harter, Elder Evans, Dr. Dunn, and Mrs. 
S. A. Horton; and I shall be there ! Will not that be a good time ? Then plant upon 



130 THE SPIRITUAL PILGRIM. 

my grave no marble slab or monument, but simply flowers and a fruit-tree, that even my 
very dust may be of practical use still in blessing those who stand there and wonder 
whose the owner." 

Writing a poetical article for " The Banner of Light," Mr. Pee- 
bles says, — 

''WHEN I GO HENCE. 

" Life and death are two golden links in the chain of endless being; demonstrating 
the goodness of the Divine Existence. That was a beautiful superstition, those ever- 
burning lamps in ancient tombs, imaging immortality, and the upward tendency of all 
things. Death is but the severing of the physical and the spiritual, — a passing point in 
the drama of each soul's endless experiences, — a withdrawing of the curtain to show us 
those we love. It may be likened to a star, that, fading from our skies, illumes some 
summer clime in the sidereal heavens; or to a rose twining up the garden wall to bloom 
the other side ; or to a grand triumphal archway, through which millions yearly walk to 
those sunlit islands of God, where, among the mountains of 'the beautiful and delicious 
perfumes, praises ascend with matin and vesper. Musing thus, I sung in better rhyme 
than rhythm: — 

" When I go, let no wail in the mansion be heard, 
No wavelet on soul-sea or heart-chord be stirred; 
But may calmness and trust their faith-offerings bring, 
To blend with the triumph, ' death ! where's thy sting? " 

" Let the hour be morn: while the first breeze is stealing 
O'er forest and flower, in sweet voices revealing 
The soul's aspirations, like hymns in the air, 
That rise with the incense of flowers bent in prayer. 

" O'er the tomb let no willow in minor tones moan, 
Nor the false phrase, ' died,' be carved on the stone; 
For such breathe not the truths that gleam through the portals, 
That gladden evermore the homes of immortals. 

" Oh, these death-scenes are sweet! for the soul then receives 
Vast volumes of thought on its unwritten leaves ; 
While each throe of despair, of sorrow and pain, 
Will have burnished the links in Life's mystical chain. 

" Let the harp of the 'morn-queen' be newly re-strung; 
There's mirth to be made, there are songs to be sung; 
For a mortal has passed from the care-lands of earth 
To the realms of the loved, where music had birth. 

"Oh! 'tis joy to stand near this glorified throng, 
Whose goodness and love are the themes of each song; 
Where the cross proved a crown, that to angels is given, 
With the ' worthy ' who glide through the azure of heaven. 
"Rockford, 111., 1864." 



CHAPTER XV. 

LITERARY LIFE. 

" He finds the laurel budding yet, 
From Love transfigured and tear-wet : 
They are his life drops turned to flowers 
That make so sweet this world of ours I " 

In June, 1866, Mr. Peebles was unexpectedly invited to the editor- 
ship of the Western department of " The Banner of Light." The 
spirits as the oracles of this stable paper so ordered. Adapted to this 
work, heartily sympathizing with the reforms of this journal, he en- 
tered upon his mission here with enthusiasm, winning laurels by his 
pen, touched with burning love. " The Banner " became more pop- 
ular than ever. It was a success. We extract from his editorials 
some of his thoughts, bubbling with the freshness of insoiration : — 

" SALUTATORY. 

" Keaders, grace be with you from the Infinite, peace from the angel-world, blessings 
from those beautiful spirits commissioned to minister unto mortals, and a conscious fel- 
lowship with the good, the beautiful, and the true, be yours now and evermore ! . . . 

" Earnest in the advocacy of what I deem right, true, and reformatory, I shall be toler- 
ant to differences of opinion; holding the olive-branch of peace; exercising that charity 
which thinketh no evil; encouraging all mediatorial persons whose aims are highly pur- 
posed ; and glorying ever in that freedom of discussion so natural to Western life and en- 
terprise, — yet insisting that it be conducted in the spirit of sincerity, kindness, and 
brotherly love; considering myself responsible for only such articles as I may fur- 
nish.' 1 . . . 

The "Banner" firm — Wm. White, chairman of circle-room; 
Luther Colby, editor-in-chief; Isaac B. Rich, treasurer ; in connection 
with the others interested editorially or officially with this leading 
spiritual journal, and Mr. Peebles " editor of the Western depart- 
ment " — were indeed a " band of brothers," confiding as school-fel- 
lows, faithful as teachers, true to the polarity of that institution — 
the ministry of spirits — to which they ever appealed for advice in 

131 



132 THE SPIRITUAL PILGRIM. 

matters of importance. The reminiscences of those councils together 
in the " circle-rooms," whose central figure is Mrs. J. H. Conant, 
are all beautiful with affections best known and felt in the heaven of 
heavens. 

" MEDIUMSHIP. 

" As friction from the contact of flint and steel eliminates the spark, so mind is the 
result of two conditions of substance, physical and spiritual. Essential spirit, the posi- 
tive principle, is everywhere dependent upon matter for the production of manifesta- 
tions, and the molding of forms visible to the sensuous eye. Births from blendings 
is the universal law. 

u Though absolute spirit can not become less than spirit, and though philosophically 
true that nothing can affect it in its nature and essence, it is equally true that it may be 
buried, clogged, and its legitimate aims and efforts for a season be thwarted. It is gen- 
erally conceded by sound thinkers and scientists, that gross thoughts, gaming saloons, 
alcoholic drinks, and licentious practices, not only destroy the health and harmonies of 
the body, but ruin the mind; that is, ruin it practically for high, divine uses. 

" The organ that manifests mind in the highest degree is the brain, and the nerves are 
the channels through which it transmits to, and receives impressions from, all parts of 
the vital domain. Moreover, the delicate tissues, nerves, fluids, and forces of the human 
mechanism are so connected with the brain, that whatever affects one must necessa- 
rily affect the other. Mediumship, as well as physiology and psychology, demonstrate 
this. Psychologic, impressional, and inspirational mediumship has vastly more to do 
with' the brain than the body; but the brain cannot be well balanced, healthy in action, 
and harmonious in relation, when the body is physically diseased or contaminated with 
immoral practices. It is very important that mediums understand this. Some have 
already lost, while others have greatly impaired, their mediumistic gifts, through per- 
verted appetites and passions ; while others, from love of gain, for selfish ends, and varied 
misdirections, have come into sympathetic relations with less unfolded,, evil spirits, open- 
ing the way for obsessions and temporary mental shipwreck. Compensation is certain; 
as mortals make their beds, whether of thorns or roses, so they must lie. 

" The blessed spirits, the very tread of whose white feet make music in the heavens 
that overshadow us,, are anxious, oh ! so anxious to have their mediums live in strict ac- 
cordance with the physical, mental, and spiritual laws of their being; for upon favor- 
able conditions- and the purity of mediumistic life depends, to a very great extent, the 
character of the communications, — the body being the sounding-board, and the brain- 
organs the keys and strings to the instrument. 

" Place in the hands of Vieux Temps an elegantly made, rich-toned, four-stringed 
violin, and give to Ole Bull a broken, rickety, shattered, ill-fashioned fiddle: while 
one would discourse most delicious music, the other would only grate out wretched dis- 
cord ; and yet both excellent musicians. Well, the body is that exquisite instrument 
upon which the mind plays; and both body and mind combined as one — wheel within 
awheel — constitute a mediumistic instrument for angelic fingers to touch in demon- 
stration of immortality, and sweet communion, too, from the loved dwellers of the hea- 
venly land." 

"go forth. 

" The apostles did not wait in Jerusalem for { calls ' to go and preach the gospel of 
the risen Nazarene, but a divine enthusiasm, streaming like golden glory into their souls, 



LITEKABY LIFE. 133 

forced them to go into all the world, dispensing evangels of truth and love. Did Peter 
the Hermit, with bared head and sandaled feet, wait for a ' call ' to go and rescue that 
sainted Syrian tomb from the ruthless hand of the Turk? Did those Jesuit fathers in 
Louis's time, all afire with the missionary spirit, wait for invitations from India and 
China? This waiting to be invited, waiting to get a call, is hardly in keeping with the 
glowing inspiration of the new dispensation. 

" My brother, start, strike out; take up your carpet-sack and walk ! Up and away, 
making every school-house, hall, and church resound! . . . Cold hearts require re-kind- 
ling; the dead, buried in worldliness, need raising; the sleepy, awakening; the shiftless, 
arousing ; the indifferent, a new baptism. The time is auspicious. The world is cry- 
ing for our liberal, loving gospel, fresh from the spirit-world. It does not want doubt 
and fear, but demonstrations of immortality, devotion, trust, love. . . . Here's our hand, 
brother, warm, cordial. List, go forth, work for the truth; live it each day; rise to 
the height of the occasion ; lift and bear others' burdens ; make full proof of your minis- 
try, — and friends will flock around you, while, from the arched heavens, angels will 
shower upon you unfading blooms and immortal blessings." 

"young speakers. 

" We desire to see more encouragement given to our young speakers, those just com- 
ing before the public. Many in the field are bearing the marks of age, — will soon pass 
to the land of the ' Hereafter; ' and our young brothers and sisters must be encouraged 
and supported. Committees should give them warm hands, and cheering words of hope 
and confidence. Among lecturers and mediums there should be no envy, no jealousy, 
and no rivalries, save only as to who shall do the most good. We are , all workers upon 
the spiritual temple. Frescoing and tinseling are less important than laying the founda- 
tion stones. Each in place, and all for the general good. Such life-consecration should 
be the divine aim. . . . 

" Charles Dickens, writing of Thackeray the humorist, says, ' He had a particular 
delight in young boys, always wanting to give them sovereigns to aid them in their 
literary course.' There are young men and women in the range of our acquaintance, 
gifted, inspired, entranced at times by spirits, waiting for some friendly hand to be 
extended, helping them to start, helping them to finance and the means of culture, pre- 
paratory to achieving distinction in the lecture-field. Will not wealthy Spiritualists 
help such? A little aid at the proper time, and these young media may become stars in 
the horizon of thought, lighting, beckoning others up the mountains of the beautiful. 

" Our older speakers, — those long in our ranks, — banishing all jealousies and un- 
worthy ambitions, should manifest a deeper interest in young lecturers. Youth is no 
crime. The more aged are doubtless the better counselors ; but all the gathered lore 
of the ages is not hived in their craniums. Under the entrancing and inspiring power 
of angels, these youth often completely eclipse their seniors ; and this should and wilt 
gladden the soul of every true disciple of the Spiritual Philosophy." 

"only first-class engagements. 

" Not wise and energetic, as most of our sister-lecturers, a brother speaker writes 
from the East : — 

" ' Can't you get me a series of first-class engagements in the West? If so, I should 
like to undertake the journey as far as the Mississippi. . . . What do they pay pei 
Sunday, and provide entertainment ? ' 

"The phrase 'first-class engagements' seriously puzzles us. Were Jesus' of this 
character, when, with a Syrian sun-scorched face and sandaled feet, he walked home- 



134 THE SPIRITUAL PILGRIM. 

less by Galilee's shores doing good? Were Peter the Hermit's, who, thrilled by the in- 
spirations of the hour, traveled, fasted, and preached till fainting by the wayside ? Were 
Wesley's, preaching by roadsides and in the graveyards of England? Were John Mur- 
ray's, lifting up his voice in mud-hovels, school-houses, and 'stoned' at that? Pray, 
what your grade of clay? what the superior constituents of your being? 

" Brother, get up from your bed of ease: pray the gods to infill you with wisdom, 
energy, enthusiasm; then, putting your 'pants in your boots,' taking your carpet-sack 
in your hand, start light-hearted as a bird for the great, glorious West. The angels 
know their commissioned ; the people are sensible and appreciative. The way will open 
as you journey. The ' pay ' is generally good, — considered spiritually, it is absolutely 
splendid. The entertainment, though diverse, is excellent; social circles arc cordial, 
and Western hearts warm. The moral fields are white, and hundreds of harvesters are 
needed Any true and faithful man or woman could build up and sustain a congrega- 
tion in almost any locality. But that sentence, ' first-class engagements,' rings in our 
ears. Had we been privileged a walk in Judea some twenty centuries since, we should 
have hinted to Jesus the addition of another beatitude, — Blessed are the modest, for they 
shall be promoted.' 1 '' 

"follow your strongest attractions. 

" Yes, follow them, and go to the ' d .' ' Do not rivers flow toward the ocean? ' 

' Do not steel and magnet follow the law of attraction ? ' 'Do not birds in spring-time, 
and four-footed beasts mating, follow the law of attraction ? ' Certainly. 

" If men and women are nothing more than rivers, magnets, needles, and four-footed 
beasts, they will do well also to follow their attractions. Are they no more ? To ask, is 
to answer the inquiry. 

" Men and women are moral actors, made in the divine image. They are conscious 
beings, endowed with reasoning and rational faculties ; and, instead of being psycholo- 
gized, or blindly following their attractions, they should be guided by reason, and the 
spirit's highest, purest promptings. Weighing every motive, exercising the best judg- 
ment, and following the Arabula, — the Christ within, — they should be careful to dis- 
tinguish between the voice of God and the voice of passion. 

" Rocks roll down hill because they are rocks. Obedient to gravitation, they follow 
their ' strongest attractions.' It is well for alkalies and acids, well for minerals, to seek 
their affinities. Such seeking becomes the mineral plane of existence. Birds, beasts 
of the forests, and the Adamic propensities, sitting like sirens in the back-brain depart- 
ment of the soul-house, are ever clamorously inclined to follow their attractions. There 
are diviner counsels. God, Christ, angels, philosophy, and science, considering men 
and women intellectual, moral, and responsible beings, unite in saying, Be guided by 
reason and the soundest practical judgment.' 1 '' 

" CAPITAL PUNISHMENT. 

" Capital punishment, a relic of barbarism, as a governmental policy, is at once mis- 
taken, ruinous, and unwarranted. The history of criminality proves its inefficiency to 
secure the results desired ; and, moreover, every sympathetic prompting of our nature 
inclines us to intercede in behalf of the unfortunate murderer, that he may live out his 
natural life. A prison punishment, disciplinary and reformatory, is not only more effi- 
cacious for good, but infinitely more in keeping with the gentle spirit of Jesus and the 
humane tendencies of the age. 

" Hanging kills no one. It is simply a retaliatory Mosaic method of punishment, — 
an unnatural process of severing the co-partnership existing between the earthly organ- 



LITEKARY LIFE. 135 

ism and the real spiritual man. Parties thus thrust into the spirit-world, sometimes in- 
nocently, and then again all dimmed, stained, and blackened o'er with crime, retain 
their individualities, and follow, too, their leading bent of mind, till they learn by obser- 
vation and experience, with the unfolding of the wisdom-principle, that happiness is 
attained only through obedience and right-doing. And the phrase learn, implies effort, 
process, time. 

" Hence, banging people to get them out of the world, is, more literally, getting them 
into the world by widening their range among men for the exercise of such influences 
as they may choose to exert. This life determines the commencement of the future. 
All, 'over there,' gravitate by virtue of fixed spiritual law to their own appropriate 
planes of action ; act they will, and the effect of such action is felt in both the mortal 
and immortal realms. . . . 

. " The highest inspiration of the hour, the genius of the age, and the progressive ten- 
dencies of all nations, are against it. This method of punishment is entirely abolished 
in Tuscany, Portugal, Oldenburg, Bremen, Venezuela, the Danubian Principalities, and 
in the Swiss Cantons of Freiburg and Nurenburg; in Michigan, Wisconsin, Rhode Island, 
and, we think, one or two other States. There have been no executions in Portugal 
for ten years; in Freiburg for thirty-four years ; and in Tuscany for thirty-five years. 
Russia, standing as it were, with one foot upon the frozen ocean of the North, the other 
well along toward Central Europe, has not only abolished capital punishment, but 
flogging with the knout. Thus moves the car of Progression, bearing onward the cause 
of humanity." 

"the orthodox clergy. 

" Are not evangelical clergymen guilty of serious derelictions of duty for not dwelling 
more fervently upon the ' terrors of the Lord,' and the torments of sinners doomed to hell ? 
They seldom preach hell now as in our forefathers' day. Though taught in their creeds, 
they pass it over trippingly. Perhaps the mitigation, softening down, and bridging 
over of hell, form no exception to the general improvements of the age. 

" The Orthodox clergy, — ' fat, oily men, with a roguish twinkle in their eyes,'— open- 
ing gold-clasped Bibles, and preaching to drowsy people pressing softly-cushioned pews, 
certainly take the matter very easy. Why, they smile, walking right over this crust 
of hell; they ci-ack jokes; some of them drive good bargains; others loan money, almost 
forcing ' infidels ' to believe them insincere. 

"Poetry, painting, music, art, science, commerce, telegraphic communication, in 
connection with the phenomena and philosophy of Spiritualism, have all exerted their 
liberalizing tendencies upon the times. The monstrous dogmas of ' endless hell-tor- 
ments,' ' personality of the devil,' ' total depravity,' and kindred falsities, are being cast 
away as rubbish from the minds of the truly enlightened; have become effete, barren, 
dead. This living age calls for original thoughts, sublime ideas, and broader, grander 
truths than were ever conceived of by Scribe or Pharisee, Moses or Calvin. 

" ' Ring out the old, ring in the new, 

Ring, happy bells, across the snow: 
The age is going, let it go; 
Ring out the false, ring in the new." 1 " 

"silent gospels. 

"Every individual we meet, every emergency into which we are thrown, leaves its 
impress, slight or powerful, upon the soul, just as every particle of food we take and 



136 THE SPIRITUAL PILGRIM. 

every breath we inhale contributes to the support or injury of the physical organism 
Of this we may be unconscious, as we are of the play of the lungs, the flow of the blood, 
and the operation of the forces that digest and assimilate our food. So our moral natures 
derive the elements of health or injurious growth from each of the occasions of life. 
We absorb from those with whom we associate. What we see, hear, think of, converse 
about, aspire to, — all these moral elements are digested and worked into our spiritual 
natures, the very substance of our being, by forces that play without our knowledge, 
and quite independent of the control of the human will. . . . 

" There is not a pure purpose breathed, nor earnest desire uttered, in the sacred sanc- 
tuary of home, but that steals through the walls and infills the atmosphere. Thought 
impregnates thought, and sphere the spheral surroundings. Words of sympathy and 
gifts of charity in lonely streets sprinkle genial influences upon the frosty air that beats 
around the dwellings of the sordid. Nothing is lost. Kind deeds crystallized into char- 
acter make the presence of those thus doing more sweet and divine. 1 ' 



"Each mortal has an aura peculiarly his own; so has each mountain, tree, and 
flower, and rocky stratum. The atmosphere of some houses is fresh with the elixir of 
life. It is wholesome to breathe it, for the very breath of the inmates is aglow with the 
balm of health and harmony. 

" Who does not delight to meet good souls ? When allowed their intimate fellowship, 
you feel a personal baptism. Yon come away better from magnetic association, your 
heart beats lighter, and your hands seem cleaner from having shaken theirs. Such 
choice souls are the star-rays and sun-beams that gladden the earth. Send us more, 
Father! . . . 

"Those particles of musk, permeating the walls and floating in the atmosphere of the 
room, so impinge upon and impregnate adjoining particles, the odor is retained for 
years. In a method somewhat analogous, mortals magnetize their beds, rooms, dwell 
ings. Magnetism is refined, etherealized substance. Sensitives sense its grade. It 
remains in rooms after the occupants have left. This proffers the key to unlock the 
mysteries of haunted houses." 

"THE CHILDREN'S PROGRESSIVE LYCEUM. 

" Youth is the golden time, the impressional period. The child's mind, like the 
daguerreotypist's polished plate, naturally receives impressions from the surrounding 
objective and subjective worlds; hence the necessity of liberal and exalted teachings 
to beautify youthful natures, preparatory to the Harmonial Age, of which the Spiritual 
is but the John the Baptist. Thanks to the angels for the inauguration of these Lyceums, 
— schools in celestial lands ; and thanks to A. J. Davis for being the mediumistic in- 
strument of importation to earth, and translation of these educational principles into 
form, making them interesting and practical for the growth of the young in their 
earlier years ! 

"The aim of the Children's Progressive Lyceum is to cultivate the whole being, 
physical, mental, and spiritual, in harmony with music, law, science, — with the beauti- 
ful principles of nature." 



" Inconoclasts will be necessary so long as there's rubbish to be removed. Jesus 
came anciently to abrogate the ceremonial law, and abolish Jewish rites and creeds, 



LITERARY LIFE. 137 

leaving not ' one stone of the temple upon another.' Now Christ, the spirit, comes again ; 
comes in the ' clouds of heaven ; ' comes attended by ' ministering angels ; ' comes in 
the influx of ideas and principles ; comes the grand constructor of the age. The temple 
is spiritual. These are the progressive steps : investigation, phenomena, knowledge, 
dissolution, recombination, inspiration, progression, brotherhood, harmony. Out from 
these sectarian schisms, political partisanships, and social antagonisms, — out from the 
chrysalis of old forms, trembling, tumbling, are emerging living men and women, 
armed and winged to do the work demanded, during the closing decades of the Nine- 
teenth Century." 

"flowers on desks. 

" Blessings upon the fingers that pluck, weave, and decorate the home, the school- 
house, and the church. Flowers are God's divine bibles ; and sweetly do they inspire 
speakers with loftier thought, uttered with deeper fervency of soul. Jeremiah Brown, a 
prominent Spiritualist of Battle Creek, his home embowered with shrubbery and roses, 
appreciates the beautiful as well as the utilitarian. His good lady-companion, famous 
for refined taste, conscious of our needs, fowarded by express, each Saturday, bouquets 
and baskets of flowers for the speaker's stand in Library Hall, Chicago. Accompany- 
ing one of them were these impromptu lines : — 

" ' May their beauty weave a spell 

'Round thee, in which naught can dwell 
But the purest, holiest feelings, 
Wrought from truth's divine revealings ! ' " 



u ipro/y for me ! ' How horribly shiftless that sounds ! Would you not like to have 
us prepare your food, fan you to sleep, dust your pathway, and carry your groceries ? 
To one constitutionally lazy, is it not sweetly bewitching to trust in a vicarious atone- 
ment that saves through the ' merits ' of Jesus Christ ? Is not this one secret of Orthodox 
success in cooping converts ? 

"Pray for you! No: pray for yourself; pray with your hands, feet, legs, — Fred 
Douglass-like; macadamize your own roads; cons tract your own bridges; plow your 
own fields; earn the bread you eat; digest your own pabulum; heal your own hurts; 
get to heaven by your own merits; work out your own salvation, — be somebody I '" 

"spiritualists at funerals. 

'When the mortal sleeps the sleep of death, and the soul is marching on to the sun- 
nier homes of the angels, the eyes of the loving left behind are tearful, and their hearts 
heave and ache. It may be a tender father or mother, sister or brother, that in life pro- 
fessed and prized the blessed principles of Spiritualism. The day of burial comes; and 
who ministers at the altar of consolation? A Spiritualist teacher? a seer with vision 
open to the glories that glitter in the temple of the Eternal ? Oh, no ! but a sectarian 
clerg3>inen is invited, — a man that knows nothing of the nature of death ; nothing of the 
condition of the departed, or of the activities and heavenly beauties that make radiant 
the spiritual world. Is this showing a proper respect to the ascended soul ? is it honoring 
the truth? is it honoring our principles? and, unless we honor them, how can we expect 
others to ? 

" From our soul's depths we forbid any sectarist shooting off his sepulchral mouth at 



138 THE SPIRITUAL PILGRIM. 

or over our corpse, charged with the doubts, dogmas, and superstitions of the past. If 
Spiritualists desire or claim the respect of a thinking, cultured community, they must 
first respect themselves, respect their principles, and practice them in letter and spirit. . 
Enthusiasm for an idea, enthusiasm for eternal principles, is grand beyond description. 
The public speakers employed in voicing the truths of the harmonial philosophy are 
peculiarly adapted to minister Avords of comfort at funerals, and words of beauty at the 
marriage altar." 

" PRE-EXISTENCE. — ETERNAL EXISTENCE. 

" Souls, as mathematics, have their axioms. Circles only are endless. Geometry is 
of universal application. Every particle of substance follows the line of its strongest 
attraction. All subjects, modes of motion, proceed in straight lines, unless controlled by 
intervening forces. That can not be spiritually or philosophically false which is mathe- 
matically true. Parallel lines can never meet. Beginnings imply endings. Conditions 
that form may, by the introduction of foreign conditions, depolarize. Could circum- 
stances constitute or create living, conscious entities, other and mightier circumstances 
might ' uncreate.' An eternal past existence, then, is the only basic foundation upon 
which to place the fulcrum to demonstrate a future endless existence. . . . 

" What is man? Analytically, he is body, soul, spirit. The least of him is body; 
the most, spirit, the essential inmost. The best of man,' then, is spirit. But what is 
spirit, human spirit ? It is both substance and form, — essential primal substance and 
essential form, — God the Infinite finited. 

" Man, as body and soul merely, is the man of the theologic schools. As such, he is 
mortal, sinful, dies. But the divine eternal man is neither mortal, sinful, nor dies; that 
is, man in the third, the Deific degree. The scale runs, beginning with the lower, outer- 
most, intermediate, innermost, a trinity in a seven-fold organization. If God is the foun- 
tain, man is the drop. If God is the infinite soul, the infinite consciousness of the uni- 
verse, man is the finite. Man, then, in the best and divinest definition, is the synonym 
of God, and necessarily as eternal. This is the 

' Divinity that stirs within,' 

the quenchless fire that burns on the celestial altar, the eternal potency that incarnates 
itself for mighty destinies. The universe alive with God, and embodying the positive 
and negative, something as the opposites of a mathematical equation, descension and 
ascension, must of necessity.be the methods of evolution, — the ever-continuous modes 
of infoldment along the segments and up the spiral circle of endless being. Syntheti- 
cally, man is unitary, and trifold in manifestation. 

" Man being, then, what we have defined him, his strict eternity follows as a matter 
of necessity, and his pre-existence is clearly proven. All conscious mortals, in their 
inmost spirits, being essentially Deific, they must have existed during the whole past 
eternity, and will, for the same reason, through the whole future eternity. Analogy, 
revelation, manifestation, have little to do with futui-e immortality, except to illustrate 
and make it known to the outer and sensuous. They do not create the truth. In fact, 
pre-existence itself, when logically and fully demonstrated, is not positive proof of im- 
mortality, in the sense of endlessness, disconnected from the Deific ; for the idea of pre- 
existence itself goes no further back into principle than the creation of essential man, 
which, once admitted, his dissolution is just as logical, and follows as a matter of course. 
From nothing, nothing comes. Creation and annihilation are but necessary counterparts 
of each other. Admit the one, and you embrace the other. Creation is only apparent, 
not real; annihilation is the same. What is termed creation is merely incarnation, 



LITEEAEY LIFE. 139 

formation, or change of state. It is the clothings that spirit gives itself in its descending 
cycles of movement. 

" That men live on when their mortal bodies are dissolved, Spiritualism abundantly 
demonstrates. But this fact affords only the feeblest proof of their immortality, in the 
sense of eternity; for, though they live after physical dissolution as they lived before 
birth, yet, being created, and having a beginning, they may, yea, should, for the same 
reason, have an end. Absolute endlessness can be affirmed only of circled being. All 
that begins, ends. The line that has a beg.nning has its ending. If doubted, extend 
the fine till imagination tires ; tread it till you faint, then retrace your steps and you 
find an end. The sea ebbs and flows. The sun that rises has its setting. All that is, is 
substance, spirit. Matter is phenomenal, and was precipitated from spirit. It ends 
again in spirit. The darkest worlds opaque started from spirit, — translucent, transpar- 
ent, making their grand cycle of movement. As worlds, they end; end because they 
began. It is their nature. It is law; the law of change, precipitation and ascension, 
outflowing and inflowing, electrical and magnetic, — the latter relating more to the 
soul, the former to the body constantly, the ponderables gathering from the impondera- 
bles, and as constantly the ponderables becoming imponderables again. 

" For ever man goes forth. Outgoing, incoming, is the eternal law; descension and 
ascension following each other in eternal movement, and in orderly succession. Thus 
ever onward lies the progressive pathway of man, taking on the more etherealized in 
each grand cycle of his being, yet never exhausting the eternal fountain, for it is infinite. 

" Celestial man grows outwardly from himself as spirit into six degrees of expression, 
his seventh degree being himself, most internal, most Deific in the special or analytical 
sense. But man is most Deific, in the unitary sense, when making his upward cycle 
of movement ; for then he excretes his negatives, his superficial and artificial character- 
istics, and makes himself more consciously immortal in wholeness, — in the seven de- 
grees of his trifold being, conscious of his past consciousness, — a harmonic trinity in 
unity. How wide the circular sweep ! how vast, how mighty, the destiny of human- 
ity!" 

While Mr. Peebles was editorially connected with " The Banner 
of Light," he took strong grounds, as the above article shows, in favor 
of pre-existence. His positions were pointedly but kindly criticised 
by W. A. Danskin, Baltimore, Md., a sound thinker and able writer. 
In reviewing the reviewer, Mr. P. said, — 

" Do not connect this position of ours, relating to pre-existence and eternal existence, 
with transmigration as taught in China, with the metempsychosis of Egypt, and the the- 
ories of old Asiatics. It has little or nothing common with those superstitions, from 
which originated the Christian doctrine of the resurrection of the body. Matter, through 
processes diverse and inverse, continually ascends to higher degrees of refinement; but 
souls, divine souls, allied to the infinite something, as drops to an ever-flowing fountain, 
descend." . . . 



Quoting Jesus and Plato, the most distinguished philosophers, 
seers, poets, and authors of antiquity, with several writers of the 
present favoring the hypothesis, he continued, — 



140 THE SPIRITUAL PILGRIM. 

" Against this strong array of positive testimony, from representative minds both in 
the past and present, all the negations to the contrary ever breathed, or booked, amount 
to no more than the hum of passing insects. What is it to astronomers, though a thou- 
sand blind men testify they never saw dark spots upon the sun's surface? That Homer 
■was sightless was Homer's misfortune. 

" Something or nothing are the only two possible postulates. If something, substance; 
if substance, eternal; for all substance has in itself the divine energy or quality of end- 
lessness. Therefore, once in existence, always in existence. Forms only change. The 
converse is equally true : once out of existence, never in existence. ' Ex nihilo nihil Jit ; ' 
from nothing, nothing can come. If an individual, then, were absolutely once out of 
existence, as a conscious individuality, tell us how he ' got ' into existence. The telling 
will solve the startling and heretofore inexplicable phenomenon of something from noth- 
ing, — somebody from nobody. 

" Again, if a fortuitous concourse of atoms, or pre-arranged conditions, circum- 
stances, or relational incidents, conspired to make this thinking, conscious individuality, 
man, — 'mark well,' man (not his physical tenement, not his more etherealized, spirit- 
ual body, but man, — essential, divine man), — may not future, pre-arranged conditions, 
or more potent circumstances, conspire to unmake him? May not beginnings have 
endings ? Our position remains then : man a pre-existent being ; man an eternal being ! " 

" ' NEITHER DO I CONDEMN THEE.' 

"'Abandoned women,' — that's the phrase in common parlance. Abandoned of 
whom? Not of God, for owning, loving all, — 'his mercy endureth for ever; ' not of 
Jesus, for from that pure, affectional soul there still comes the gentle words, ' Neither 
do I condemn thee, go and sin no more; ' not of the angels, for there continues to be 
'joy in heaven' when, through angelic pleadings and intercedings, an erring one is 
brought to repentance; not of the spirits of the 'just made perfect,' for they delight to 
minister to the least and lowest for redemptive purposes; not of philanthropists or re- 
formers, of the good or the true. Abandoned of whom ? If by anybody, by those 
passional men instrumental in their temporary ruin, and such of their sister sex as, 
from a vivid consciousness of being themselves human, with a taking tendency to the 
weakness of yielded temptation, put on the extraneous airs of a purity too exalted to 
touch, or snatch from further degradation, a sister once pure as the crystal snow, and 
still God's child, bearing the divine image. These pretensions, not Jesusonion, are 
thoroughly Shakespearian, — 'If thou hast no virtue, assume to have it.' 

" In the sight of God, angels, heavenly hosts, and constellations of philanthropists on 
earth quite unknown to fame, there are no abandoned women, no abandoned men ; 
for God, heaven, sympathy, mercy, love, and redemptive efforts are over and around all. 

" Under the oily crust of city life, there lies half-concealed a huge, hideous vice, that 
often those who are too delicate to talk about it are not to delicate to practice. It is fre- 
quently termed the ' social cancer.' With venemous roots pushing out and down in every 
direction, it is the destroyer of inward peace, the enemy of happy households, and 
fatal to the mental and spiritual growth of the soul. . . . 

"With the more positive and guiltier sex, it is generally animal indulgence and 
violent outbreaks of passion, rooted in ante-natal perversions, often intensified by rich 
diet, tobacco, liquors, and other stimulants. Relative to the other sex, in a majority of 
cases, the primal causes are ante-natal tendencies, psychological susceptibilities, and 
stern life-necessities. Not choice, but poverty, love of costly dress, temptations to 
indolence, harsh treatment of parents, sensual grossness of husbands, and the wiles 
and false promises of seducers, — these are the more immediate and prominent causes. 



LITEEAEY LIFE. 141 

"Full one-third of the "women wandering in towns and cities, under the gaslight, are 
driven into the streets, and dens of pollution, from pressure of poverty and extreme 
want. Think of it ! Woman, with the original seal of innocence and sweetness upon 
her countenance, compelled to choose between starvation and prostitution ! 

" Society, — another name for gilded sham, — and even women in the higher walks of 
life, of whom Ave are heartily ashamed, will, while smiling upon, waltzing and flirting 
with the libertine, full-fed and gay, turn sneeringly away or mercilessly trample 
upon the starved victim of his lust. To the fallen sister their language virtually is, ' I 
am holier than thou ! ' Heaven save us from a pharisaic self-righteousness ! ' None 
is good' (absolutely good) said Jesus, 'but one; that is God.' A boasting, satis- 
fied, selfish, do-nothing purity will find itself outside the walls of the city celestial, 
long after negative, erring women have, through fiery trials and severest discipline, 
been permitted to pass into those upper kingdoms of God to put on robes of beauty. 
Sainted sisters, ye who are safe from terrible temptations, because moving in circles 
above penury, and walking in the sunlight of noble souls, be sparing of the stones 
you hurl at those who fell, through miserable wages, psychological influences, and a 
fashionable world's crushing coldness! 

"Efforts of Magdalen Societies in this country have done something; but the 'Mid- 
night Meetings ' of London bave done more for this class in England. A living writer 
tells us that, — 

" ' To one of these meetings an afflicted mother sent her own daguerreotype, in hopes that 
her erring daughter would recognize the face, and be won by its mute pleadings to a better life. 
The picture was passed around in several meetings, until at last it met the eye for which it 
was intended, and the guilty girl burst into tears and set off for the home of her childhood.' 

" The evil is patent. Where and what the remedy ? Centralized into a sentence, it is 
this, — The independence of woman! Make her, or help her to make herself, socially, 
maritally, politically, and financially independent, and you have laid the ax at the root 
of this deadly upas-tree. Systematized, the method will bear this general statement : 
A full recognition of woman 's primal equality with man. . . . 

" The constituents of our social edifice should not be cemented by the force of inter- 
est, habit, or circumstance, but by virtue, integrity, purity, justice, sympathy, and love, — 
the mightiest principles in the universe of God. Society, constituted Of individuals, 
should look after the highest interests of each member, remembering that whatever 
benefits even the least, benefits a world-wide humanity. 

" Theorists must make their reform-theories practical. 'What have you done?' is 
the question the angels ask. To gossip, tea-party fashion, about these ' unfortunate 
women upon the town ' amounts to nothing. Up, and do something ! To talk about 
their condition deploringly, to pray for them devotedly, to think of them tenderly, to 
shun them in the streets gracefully, to speak of them sisterly, is talk, — cheap talk ! 
nothing more. Away with this silver-tongued hypocrisy ! Do something. Eedeem 
them; and the blessings of the angel world shall be yours ! " 

" MY PEACE. 

" This is recorded of Jesus, in the tenth chapter of Matthew, ' Into whatsoever town 
or city ye shall enter, inquire who in it is worthy, and there abide till ye go thence. . . . 
And, if the house be worthy, let your peace come upon it; but, if it be not worthy, let 
your peace return to you.' Whenever the inmates of a house are exacting, selfish, angu- 
lar, and inharmonious, — when their rooms are badly ventilated, beds unwholesome, 
apartments tobacco-scented, dishes pork-pickled, and pastry even swimming in swine- 



142 THE SPIRITUAL PILGRIM. 

juice, 'my peace returns to me.' and I can not 'there abide;' for six things, to speak 
biblically, 'doth rny soul hate,' yea, seven things are an abomination unto me, viz., to- 
bacco, whisky, pork, feather-beds, coffee, razors, and sectarian theology. And when 
the fragmentary letters and epistles of the spiritual dispensation are collected and voted 
canonical by those who in future years shall minister at the altar of freedom, may the 
above portion of gospel according to Peebles share no such fate as did many of the 
' manuscripts ' at the Nicene Council. Amen." 

"why away from the spiritualists' meeting? 

" ' Because they act so ! ' Who are they ? If you are all right, holding papers of can- 
onization, the greater the necessity of your being an active worker among the ' they,' 
helping them to become right also. A retired saint is something new under the sun. 
Would it not be wise to widen the influence of your saintship, thus aiding others to be- 
come saintly? Jesus ate with sinners, and God's sun shines into marshes and miry 
pools. We are not scolding our inconsistent brother ; for, by way of contrast, we love 
him, — love him something as we admire the background to a picture, or the mud from 
which spring and bloom beautiful lilies. 

" ' Well, I attend when they have a very fine speaker.' Indeed! what a condescen- 
sion. The fastidious prince that sought the golden chariot sat on the sod. Quakers 
frequently consider their ' silent meetings ' the most profitable. You, my brother, are 
not only devoid of principle, but have yet to take your first lessons in the school of moral 
obligation, and the inspiring effects of right influences and examples." 

" CHURCH INFIDELS. 

" Christians swallowing all the scriptural camels of the Jewish ages : believing that 
God made the world in six days; that he walked in the garden in the cool of the day; 
that he came down to see the city and the tower; that he made woman from one of 
Adam's ribs; cast down great stones out of heaven; took off the Egyptian's chariot 
wheels, and sent the she-bears to eat the children ; believing that the waters of the Red 
Sea opened for the passage of the Israelites; that the quails fell around the camp some 
three feet in a single night; that the walls of Jericho fell at the sounding of a ram's 
horn; that Samson caught the foxes, and carried the gates of Gaza; that Elisha's ax 
was made to swim, and the sun and moon to stand still: believing, too, that the 
whale swallowed Jonah, and all because booked and labeled holy ! They believe those 
ancient occurrences, though purporting to have happened two, three, and four thousand 
years ago, among those old, selfish, warlike, and murderous Jews, and then traveling 
down to us through a corrupt Roman Catholic priesthood ! And yet, while piously be- 
lieving the above, with other theological monstrosities, they reject the evidences of their 
senses ; reject the trances, visions, healings, and spiritual gifts of the present ; reject the 
candid testimony of Thomas Say; reject the testimony of Judge Edmonds, Robert Dale 
Owen, Senator Wade, yea, hundreds, thousands, and tens of thousands, in our midst whose 
integrity, eminent social positions, and high moral worth are an honor even to this Nine- 
teenth Century. Great God, have mercy on the souls of these Church Infidels ! For 
them, we promise to 'pray without ceasing,' as enjoined by the sainted apostle." 

" MARRIAGE. 

" True marriage is the strictest tie of perpetual friendship; and there can be no friend- 
ship without confidence, and no confidence without integrity, and no integrity without 
love. Love is marriage, and without it there is no marriage.'' 

" Steel to magnet, bud to sunbeam, require no chemical formula; neither does soul 



LITERARY LIFE. 143 

x> soul need a Romish ritual or mere formal ceremony ; for what God by the fiat of om- 
nipotence has joined together will remain together, and what he has not, no priestly 
mummery or conventional legislation can keep together only in the external. The letter 
killeth, said the apostle. But beautiful, divine, holy, the true monogamic marriage, — 
man and woman; positive and negative; two halves of a circle! own to own; heart to 
heart; soul to soul, in a sweet, divine duality, embosomed each in each." 

"human rights. 

" Ignoring such specials as ' woman's rights,' ' man's rights, ' ' freedmen's rights,' ' In- 
dians' rights,' 'Chinamen's rights,' 'children's rights,' we prefer that better term, at 
once broad and comprehensive, human rights! As related to woman, they may be 
classified in this wise : — 

" I. The right to vote, hold office, and select that life-vocation best adapted to her 
glowing genius. 

" II. The justice and moral necessity of paying her the same wages paid to men for 
the same amount of labor accomplished. 

" III. The exercise of the same privileges that are granted to men in such civic ad- 
vances as look to friendship, courtship, love, and the marriage relation. 

" IV. The creation of such a high public sentiment as shall gladly guarantee equal rights 
to all, with no rivalry save that which would strive to build up, beautify, and bless the 
most souls." 

Immediately after returning from the war, Mr. Peebles was called 
by S. S. Jones, Esq., to a great meeting of Spiritualists in St. 
Charles, 111., where he delivered an earnest speech, of which the 
following is an extract, published in " The Religio-Philosophical 
Journal : " — 

"Wars darken the horizon in every direction. They are the seeming necessities of 
existing conditions. Destruction ever precedes the diviner construction. Wars have 
their uses on certain planes. Nevertheless, my soul shrinks from war and all inhar- 
monies. The divine within me calls for peace. War can never quench the war-spirit. 
The North, its armies and navies, has not yet taken the first step toward subduing the 
South. You may conquer, or even exterminate, the sons of the South ; but that is not 
subduing them. 

"Bonaparte conquered, but did not subdue, Europe; Russia conquered Poland; Aus- 
tria, Hungary; and England, Ireland: but so long as an Irish heart can throb, or a sprig 
of shamrock remains green, so long will the sons of Erin hate English oppressive 
rule. Only love and wisdom can subdue. Moral power only is employed by God and 
angels to uplift humanity. . . . All the races compose one universal brotherhood, and 
armies with white banners, palms, and olive-branches would tend to make the atmos- 
phere so positive with goodness, — yea, they would so infill the air with the moral mag- 
netism of love, justice, and truth, that the rebels would be struck dumb as by flashes of 
light from angel hosts. It was this power that felled Saul to the earth, and turned the 
prodigal to his father's house. It is the Christ within, — the mightiest redemptive power 
in the universe." 

" REFRESHING PREACHING. 

" The clergy frequently announce their subjects these days, as a sort of stool-pigeon 
enticement to draw in the fluttering, floating crowd. A late Washington Sunday Mom- 



144 THE SPIRITUAL PILGRIM. 

ing ' Chronicle,' — a paper, by the way, that refuses to publish notices of Spiritualist meet- 
ings under the head of ' religious meetings,' — contained the following notice under the 
head of ' religious intelligence : ' — 

" Subject of discourse at Dr. Gray's church (E-street Baptist), to-night will be: ' The 
incidents of the flood ; the ark ; the builder ; description of the ark itself; its stormy 
passage; the place where it anchored; the first morning of a new day.' 

"Important 'religious intelligence,' truly! — incidents of the flood; the ark; the 
builders of the ark, and its stormy passage ! This and similar evangelical intelligence 
the Washington ' Chronicle ' generously publishes. 

" With all due deference, we seriously inquire what the people of this country care 
about Noah's Ark, or other of those old myths and legends that characterized the Jews. 
Is it not more legitimate to deal and do with American steamers, their passages, the 
accidents occurring, loss of life, and causes of the same ? 

"No matter how the Israelites were fed: are the poor of this country — each city, 
hamlet, neighborhood — all fed ? No matter about the number of horns on John's mystic 
beast, or the mechanism of Paul's tents. We have to do with the living present; the 
lessons of this day; the necessities of this age. Oh, for living men and women to occupy 
the pulpits and rostrums of this hour ! speaking words that flame with holy fire ; words 
that convince; words that touch the heart's deepest affections, moving the masses up on 
to that broad humanitarian plane of toleration and justice, sympathy and fraternity." 

"the prisoner my brother. 

" Loitering, a few days since, with a friend in a rear yard of Auburn State Penitenti- 
ary, I saw, jutting through the window-grates of a prisoner's cell, trailing vines, and 
flowers in full bloom, placed there by pale hands in morning's time, to catch the sun- 
shine ; and I said, ' He can not be a bad man ! ' My sympathies were touched. I wanted 
to extend to him a warm hand, call him my brother, tell him I loved him, and would 
fain come unto him. Be sure, in an impulsive moment, he may have committed a 
crime, and infinitely greater criminals may have pronounced upon him the stern sen- 
tence. Did not Jesus say, ' Go and sin no more ? ' Gladly would I have borne him 
on loving wings into the realm of better conditions, placing him amid summer surround- 
ings, and, calling angels to guard him, bid him look hopefully toward a smiling and 
peaceful future." 

" GOD, FATHER AND MOTHER. 

"Ignoring the fetich gods of Africa, the repenting, jealous God of Judaism, the chan- 
ging, angry-getting God of Catholicism, the partial, malicious God of Calvinism, the mas- 
culine, miracle-working God of Universalism, we find infinitely higher conceptions of 
Deity in the definitions of Plato, Proclus, Jesus, Parker, and Davis: — 

" ' Of good there is one eternal, definite, and universal cause, — the infinite soul.' 

" ' God is spirit, and spirit is causation underlying all things.' 

" ' God is a Spirit, and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in 
truth.' 

" ' To God, our Father, and our mother too, will we ascribe all praise.' 

" ' The great positive mind of the universe, Father God, and Mother Nature.' 

" Spiritualists believe in the Divine Existence, the Infinite Esse, embodying and en- 
zoning all principles of mind and properties of matter; all wisdom and love; life and 
motion: ' God manifest in the flesh,' and every thing else, from sands to solar systems. 
This is the spontaneous concession of the world's consciousness. Egypt's Osiris, India's 
Brahma, Judea's Jehovah, the Grecian's Jupiter, the Mussulman's Allah, the Platonist's 
All-Good, the Theist's Deity, the Christian's Our Father, the Northman's Odin, the 



LITERARY LIFE. 145 

Indian's Great Spirit, express more than glimmerings of universal beliefs in that God 
whose altars are mountains and oceans, and whose pulpits are fields, earths, orbs, and 
circling systems, perfect in order, musical in their marches, and flaming with holiest 
praises. 

" Eejecting the human-shaped, prayer-hearing, personal God of evangelical theolo- 
gians, — because personality logically implies locality, and whatever becomes localized 
in space is necessarily limited and imperfect, — to us, God is the Infinite Spirit ; soul 
of all things; the incarnate Life-Principle of the universe, immanent in dewdrops that 
glitter, and shells that shine ; in stars that sail through silver seas, and angels that delight 
to do the Eternal's will. When we designate God as the Infinite spirit-presence and sub- 
stance of universal Nature, from whose eternally-flowing life wondrous systems have been 
evolved, we mean to imply in the affirmation all divine principles, attributes, qualities^ and 
forces, positive and negative, — spirit, and matter as a solidified form of force, the former 
depending upon the latter for its manifestations. The masculine can not create. There 
was never a higher formation without the two forces, positive and negative." 

" CONCEPTIVE IMMORTALITY. 

"All newer and higher formations result from the blending of positives and negatives. 
So, upon the plane of humanity, when the positive and negative relational forces unite, 
then and there is the divine incarnation. From that moment, the embryonic child is an 
immortal being ; the divinity has taken on humanity ; God is manifest in the flesh. Who- 
ever destroys that germinal man or woman is a criminal in the eyes of all seers on earth 
and angels in heaven. Nature absolutely never takes a retrogressive step." 

" MISCELLANEOUS EXTRACTS. 

" Better to be deceived by mortals, now and then, than deprived of the real joy and 
beauty of calm, deep faith, in our kindred kind. All have their angel side." 

" Have you portions of God's green earth you call your own? Do you rent, even? 
Put out the choicest fruit-trees, decorate them with rare and symmetrical shade-trees, and 
embower them in trailing vines and roses. Angels delight to visit such beautiful homes." 

" The system of evangelical religion, toggled up in the dark ages of popery, is purely 
a policy l-eligion, full of adaptations and worldly expediences, counting on profits and 
losses at the judgment-day, and is completely mechanical, having hells and devils for motive 
powers." 

"The highest and holiest are tinged with melancholy. . . . Seers are sadder than 
others." 

" As Spiritualists, we regard dancing, at proper hours and places, a harmless and 
pleasant amusement, conducive to health and a genial flow of the soul-forces. It imparts 
an animating influence to the brain, and conduces to a proper balance between the mus- 
cular system and mental activity." 

" Grand is God's old rock-book, — a Bible that never required a 'revision; ' a gospel 
never bound in calf, nor man-lauelled 'Holy.' The masses, with open eyes, go blindly 
through the world, kicking aside the stones that reveal in their formations the history 
of countless ages past." 

" It is terrible, — this chaining by law a living, progressive, spiritual woman to a dead, 
masculine corpse! " 

" DEATH. 

" Death, a divine method, is sleep's gentler brother. 

"Death, a severing of the physical and spiritual copartnership, is life's holiest proph- 
ecy of future progress. 
10 



146 THE SPIRITUAL PILGRIM. 

"Death is the rusted key that unlocks the shining portals of immortality. 

"Death is the glittering hyphen-link that conjoins the two worlds of conscious exist- 
ence and holy communion. 

"Death is like opening rosebuds, that, in ever-recurring Junes, climb up on garden 
walls, and, blooming, shed their sweetest fragance upon the other side. 

" Just as well ask the blade of wheat to return to the kernel, or the singing bird to its 
old shell, as a freed, immortalized spirit to the disintegrated physical body at some sup- 
posed future resurrection-day. 

" Behold Faith, trimming her lamps in the darkness of the grave J Tears are crystal- 
lizing into celestial dews. 

"All of earth's mortals enter the future state of existence mentally, morally, spiritu- 
ally, as they left this, retaining their identity. Death imparts no new faculties. It is 
no saviour; only a transitional agent, introducing pilgrims and students into some higher 
department of the Father's mansions. Salvation is a process, a divine method of the 
soul's unfoldment, attained through obedience to the perfect laws of God." 

"the departure of children. 

" ' Did the angels have a funeral, mother, when I left heaven, and came to earth to 
live?' asked a precocious child. It was a soul question, a cognition of pre-existence. 
The coming and going of infants, like descending and ascending waves upon a measure- 
less ocean, are parts of the Infinite purpose. Nature would not have all the buds and 
blossoms of orchards mature in ripened fruitage: so the tree of life lets some of its ten- 
derest buds droop and fall, to bloom in the gardens of the angels. Those airs are more 
soft and balmy, those climes more sunny. There is no lovelier sight than an infant's 
ftn-m encqffined for the tomb. Spirits, through trance and inspirational media, 
should speak upon such occasions. The burial should be in morning time. No dark 
procession, no tolling of bells, no gloomy looks, should mark the quiet passage to the 
grave ; but, dressed in holiday attire, and garlanded with the freshest, brightest flowers 
of spring, the sleeping body should be borne to rest. Glad songs should be sung; joyous 
music should ring out upon the air ; and pleasantly, as to a festival, the gathered group 
should go its way, feeling that the child is not dead, but gone before, — gone to the love- 
land lyceums of heaven. 

"Weeping, mourning, and darkened drapery are no signs of intense sorrow; but 
rather of doubt and atheism. Much of mourning is rooted in selfishness The more 
external, tne more conspicuous the weeping. Displays at funerals are as common as 
unchristian ; sham and show, going with the superficial to the very threshold of the 
sepulcher. There are sorrows too deep for tears, as there are prayers too divine for 
utterance. The fond Mexican mother, relying upon weird, ancestral traditions and the 
teachings of Nature, ' who has household treasures laid away in the cnmpo santo, — God's 
sacred field, — breathes a sweet faith only heard elsewhere in the poet's utterance,' or 
the Spiritualist's philosophy of immortality. Ask her how many children bless her 
house, and she will answer, 'Five; two here and three yonder:' so, notwithstanding 
death and the grave, it is yet an unbroken household ; and the trusting mother ever lives 
the thought, — 

" ' We are all here, — father, mother, 

Sister, brother, all who hold each other dear.' 

" When children are disrobed of the earthly, their spirits are borne to spheres of inno- 
cence, and there received by heavenly matrons and good angels to be educated. Oh, 
how those angelic beings, full of affection, delight to teach infants and little children, 
such as Jesus took in his arms, saying, ' Of such is the kingdom of heaven ' ! Variety 



LITERACY LIFE. 147 

is a necessity in all worlds. Heaven would not be heaven without children. It would 
lack the joyousness of childish innocence and educational progress. Our departed chil- 
dren, — aye,' ours still, — buds of spirit-beauty; lights in the windows of heaven; the 
angels of the future ! " 

"a song for the sad. 

" Our heart is brimming with songs to-night. We would sing them to the sad. Take 
my hand, weary pilgrim: it is a brother's. Off with all masks; away with reserve. 
Tell me of life's uneven voyage, — its blighted hopes, piercing thorns, trials, losses, de- 
feats, struggles, and disappointments. There is profit in confessions that bare soul to soul. 
Neither of us has secrets. All lives are unrolled scrolls, open to spirit inspection. 
Each is his own recording angel, and memories are immortal. What you are, I am, or 
have been. What you have felt, I have felt in my dual life-experience along some seg- 
mentary portion of the endless circle of being. Goon: I sense, feel, your life-history. It 
is wild, weird, witching, and big with the blessings of suffering. Now, all told, the good 
and ill measured, with their necessary compensations, has it not been glorious to live, — 
to live a thinking, reasoning, conscious, and immortal individuality, with infinite possi- 
bilities before you? Could you afford to lose the rusted links even from the chain that 
connects past and present ? Have you not gathered and treasured rich experiences, that 
will serve, through you, to strengthen others in their weakness and their peril ? Have 
you not seen more flowers than thorns; smiles, than tears; suns, than clouds; and have 
you not heard more blessings than cursings, and a thousand merry peals of laughter for 
a single groan ? 

"Has thy life been stained and blemished? None are perfect; the best have their 
failings: despair not; the good of earth, and the sainted in the heavens, delight to aid 
the aspirational. ' Come unto me,' said Jesus. The angels echo the song, come, ' Come 
up higher.' Look not to the past with painful regrets. In ascending a ladder, the wise 
never look down to the broken rounds. Every step the prodigal son took in the outward 
from his father's house was spiritually a step toward it. Husks helped bring him to 
' himself.' When himself, he was right, human nature being innately good. This prodi- 
gal's bitter experiences of hunger, want, suffering, proved eminently salvatory. The 
good father loved the repentant son none the less for his wanderings. God, angels, all 
good men, love the erring. A mother's prayers pierce dungeon bars. The philanthro- 
pist hopes for all, loves all, has faith in all. 

" No oak, lifting its head, catching and kissing the sunbeams, regrets that it was once 
an acorn, and fell, — fell into the mud, to be buried, bruised, chilled, and frosted with 
snows. Progression implies a lower condition to progress from. It was wisdom not to 
commence conscious life on the physical side perfect. Those fixed stars, that gild meas- 
ureless distances, shine and sing all the sweeter from having been nebulous fire-mists, 
floating in oceanic space: so noble-purposed souls, tempted, falling like the child in the 
effort to walk, yet rising, wiser for the pain, stronger in will-power, treading the wine- 
press of the world's wrath alone to-day, stopping by the wayside to-morrow to help the 
more unfortunate, will find their path ultimately Avidening, brightening, and opening at 
last into the shining portals of immortality, where peals of victory shall blend with the 
grand oratorios of souls long housed in the heavens: — 

" ' Men saw the thorns on Jesus' brow, 
But angels saw the roses.' 

"The Nazarene, though ever attended by ministering angels, shrank from the pain 
of the thorn-crown. Father, ' Let the cup pass ; ' thus he prayed .- thus ever prays earthly 



148 THE SPIRITUAL PILGRIM. 

weakness. ' Not my will, but thine, be done,' responded the divinity, the Christ-princi- 
ple within. 

" Carbon shrinks from the fierce chemical fires that transform it to diamonds. Flax- 
fields tremble at the transitional methods necessary to white linen napkins ; and youthful 
sailors would fain shun the rough oceans requisite to making them skillful mariners. 
Mortals are but children in the eyes of the angels. Beautiful is the divine plan, with its 
infinitely-diversified methods of soul-discipline. There was never a birth without agony ; 
a beautiful bloom without an aching, swelling bud ; a musical instrument, — lute, lyre, 
or harp, — without grating, tuning processes ; and even ' craftsmen,' and mystics in their 
upward pilgrimages, meet with 'ruffians,' rough roads, repulses, and fiery ordeals, ere 
they pass the ' vails,' sit in the council chambers of the worthy, or rest in patriarchal 
tents. Aspiration and effort are the soul's jewels. Courage, brave ones: the gods help 
those that help themselves. Oh, it is grand to build the road we travel on ; erect the 
ladders by which we ascend ; carve our own mental statues on living, conscious forms ; 
and construct our own homes in the upper kingdoms of beauty and blessedness ! 

"Come, then, barbed arrows and dark- winged sorrows! Ye are all masked angels, 
leading souls oft by strange, inverse ways through thorn-encircled doorways into the 
inner courts of the beatified ; the golden temples of the gods, whose every soul-tear will 
be transformed to a pearl ; every groan die away into music ; every sigh prove to have 
been a fore-gleam of a seraphic smile, and the sweetest, divinest ideals of earth, the im- 
perishable reals of eternity ! Courage, then, fainting soul ! Every winter hath its spring ; 
every ocean, its glittering gems ; every frost, its shining crystals ; every thunder-storm, its 
compensating health ; every cloud, its silver lining ; every ruin, its twining vines ; every 
wave-tossed ark, its dove; every blood-stained cross, its flower- wreathed crown; and for 
every paradise lost, there are thousands to be gained ! Patiently wait, then ; wait and 
labor ; wait and trust. Yea, be courageous, brave, hopeful, joyous, happy ; for a good 
God reigns. Eternity with its infinite glories is stretching in mellowed radiance before 
you; ministering angels are beckoning you onward, upward; and loving archangels, 
standing upon evergreen mountains, and amid the matchless splendors of summer-land 
scenes, with wreaths, palms, and glistening robes, are inviting and singing, ' Here's rest 
for the weary, and crowns for the worthy.' ' All these, and infinitely more than tongue 
can tell, shall be thine, children of earth! when ye are worthy,' saith my angel. 
Good-night, dear pilgrim friends. Sweet dreams to you, and kind angel-watchers. We 
shall meet again." 



CHAPTER XVI. 



HEART-ECHOES. 



" It is a little thing to speak a word of common comfort, 
That by daily use hath almost lost its sense; 
Yet, on the ear of him who thought to die unmourned, 
'Twill fall like choicest music." 

Letters to our loved ones, not intended for the public eye, like 
words spoken in the ear with the music of love, always have soul in 
them. Artless is friendship ; and how beautiful are its life-pictures ! 
No one surely has a right to refuse the world the aroma of these 
flowers, all a-drip with the morning light. 

Mr. Peebles's private correspondence has been immense, with people 
of every profession of life. One of his bosom friends, with whom 
he has had intimate relation, both in letters and direct co-operation, is 
Hon. J. G. Wait of Sturgis, Mich., of whom he delights to speak 
" as a counselor and solid pillar in the spiritual temple." He loves 
to recall the happy interviews with Revs. Higginson, Towne, Froth- 
ingham, Henry Ward Beecher, and with the political honorables 
who rendered him favors connected with the spiritual gospel, — Sec. 
Fish, Howard of Michigan, Harris of Louisiana, and Prof. Worth- 
en, state geologist of Illinois. 

" Courtland, N.Y., Jan. 31, 1863. 
"Dear Mr. Peebles, — Have you forgotten taking a young man aside in Court- 
land, several years ago, and telling him the very thoughts of his soul ? Oh, those kind, 
hopeful words ! God only knows how much I owe you for the interest you manifested 
at that trying period of my life. All that I am, or nearly so, I am indebted to you for. 
. . . Our publishing house is in a flourishing condition. 

" Most sincerely, H. S. Clarke." 

" La Crosse, Wis., Sept. 3, 1863. 
" My Dear Peebles, — This morning I received a kind letter from you, which took me 
in the arms of memory like a child back to the olden days of budding anticipations. 
Am glad to hear from you. My heart sinks down into old scenes, memories, and inci- 
dents, as one sinks to rest in a bed of down. The printing-office ; the ride to Athens •, 

149 



150 THE SPIRITUAL PILGRIM.' 

the scared woman whose babies and pigs we did not run over; the visit to Towanda; 
the improvement to your sermon ! Well, well, time has borne those days to the rear, and 
still the fight goes on. 

" I am older than when last we met. My eyes are wider open. The world and I have 
skirmished and battled ; but, on the whole, I am ahead. Glad to hear you are coming 
out this way. The heart is still in the same friendly place for you as of yore. . . . 

" I shall publish one or two books before spring; and, as you will read them, you will 
have an idea of what kind of a man (in theory) the boy you used to speak so kindly to in 
the East makes in the West. Write me. . . . 

" With the best, earnest wishes for your health, happiness, and prosperity, 

"I am the same, Mark M. Pomeroy, 

" Otherwise ' Brick ' Pomeroy." 

A lady friend, M. E. Tillotson, of Binghamton, N.Y., in a letter 
of Oct. 2, 1864, recalling the dreamy past, sends Mr. Peebles this 
poetic billet-doux : — 

" I mind me of a quiet home 

By sweet affection warm ; 
I mind me of a cozy nook 

All sheltered from the storm, 
Where oft in childhood's hour I sat, 

And mused upon the story 
Of a Saviour in a manger born, 

The cross his crowning glory." 

The following note from Bishop Clark (Episcopalian) was ad- 
dressed onr " Peace Brother," L. K. Joslyu, who introduced Mr. Pee- 
bles to him as a " Representative Spiritualist : " — 

" Providence, Dec. 10, 1864. 
" Dear Sir, — I shall be happy to see the Rev. Mr. Peebles at any time that he may 
find it convenient to call. I expect to be absent from town on Tuesday, and until the 
latter part of the week. I mention this in order that he may not call while I am away. 
" Respectfully yours, Thomas M.Clark." 

Speaking of the conversation with Mr. Clark, about the truth of 
spirit manifestation, Mr. Peebles reports him as saying, — 

" ' You are just designed to traverse the country, and scatter seed to get the golden 
fruit: but I,' said the bishop, 'instead of scattering the seed, am content to graft into 
the old trunk; and, if I put in too many grafts, they will absorb the juices and spoil the 
whole tree.' " 

The author of this is the wife of Rev. C. F. Dodge (Universalist). 
She accompanied it with an accurate and interesting psychometric 
delineation of our Pilgrim's attributes of character : — 



HEAET-ECHOES. 151 

" Palmyra, Wis., June 19, 1865. 
"Dear Brother and Friend, — ... I thank you for the interest manifest in our 
behalf. I hear the words, ' Come up higher ; ' but the way I know not. I felt strengthened 
by your presence and teachings, during the brief visit, and felt then as if I would say 
' out loud, 1 ' I am a Spiritualist.' If I understand my own heart, I have but little sym- 
pathy with the creeds now prevailing, — can not feel the interest in denominational mat- 
ters that I once did. The scale seems to me an ascending one. . . . Your visit here 
was a streak of sunshine to my sister, Mrs. Bunker, as well as to us. 

"Truly yours, C. H. Dodge." 

Wishing to post himself in the standard ancient works, Mr. Pee- 
bles, in the fall of 1865, called on Ralph Waldo Emerson, the New- 
England Plato, whose life-philosophy is so spiritual. Giving him the 
desired literary information, these moralizers talked about the 
" Spiritual movement." Writing of this happy interview, Mr. Pee- 
bles reports, — 

" This ' Sage of Concord ' said, ' The universe is to me one grand spirit manifestation; 
. . . but as to the minor, the specialities so to speak, I shall have to refer you to Mrs. 
Emerson, who is much interested in these spiritual matters.' " 

" Chicago, March 10, 1866. 

" Dear Brother, — I was just thinking how patient God must have been to wait so 
long for fullest working out of ultimates from commingling primates. And then I thought 
the i-eason why is obvious enough; because He sees a principle. Those only lack faith 
and get out of patience, who have not entered into ' the holy of holies ' of ever-unfolding 
life. To understand a. principle is eternal life. No man can have pure ' Platonic love,' 
unless he has climbed the topmost peak of unfolded principle. . . . 

" ' The truth shall make you free.' The unfolding of principle shall make you free. 
Nobody can bear and forbear, up to the divine standard of human needs, unless be sees 
clearly into, and all the way through, the principle, or the nature, of things. Nobody 
can comprehend the divine standard which turns the 'other cheek,' except him who has 
learned beyond the region of approximates. . . . You are the vacuum of appreciation 
into which my spirit can flow and find a resting-place. Seth Paine." 

" Sturgis, Mich., June 24, 1866. 
. . . "My Dear Brother Peebles, — Yes: I think we shall have a good time at 
the State Convention in Battle Creek. We certainly shall if we are all in the right spirit ; 
if we seek not any personal end, but only the amelioration and elevation of ourselves and 
our fellow-men. I know you, at least, will so seek the precious good of our dear human- 
ity. My country is the world; my kindred, all mankind; and, though Ave are all imper- 
fect, I feel that most of us who will gather there will come to the great work of the age. 

"Cordially, Selden J. Finney." 

" Chicago, Sept. 21, 1866. 
"Esteemed Brother J. M. Peebles, — . . . How cheering! we have in our 
midst noble souls, whose tested morality, purified sympathies, and holy affections com- 
bine in earnest, practical work, — whose influence casts the shadow of sunshine. . . 
Were it not for this fact, the bitterness of the dark side of Spiritualism would cause us to 



152 THE SPIRITUAL PILGRIM. 

retire from public labors, sorrowful at the tardy movements of so-called reformers. But 
the issues of the hour bid us be faithful at the post of duty, discriminating between the 
true and the false, within and without. Alctnda Wilhelm." 

11 Putnam, Oct 9, 1866. 
"Dear Brother Peebles, — God bless you for your kind letter, so much needed. 
How I love your beautiful teachings ! It seems as though you are my elder brother ; 
and I can come to you for counsel. . . . Thine, A. E. Carpenter."* 

" Bridgewater, Vt., Oct. 12, 1866. 
"Brother Peebles, — . . . You say you are ' almost a Shaker in theory, perfectly 
so in practice ; ' that the idea of freedom of the affections ' has been a bone of contention,' 
&c. I believe in freedom of affection ; but not indulgence of lusts under the name of Love. 
... To me, the honest recognition of this philosophy of soul-union is of the utmost 
importance. When men believe it, they will not degrade their manhood, and insult the 
brute creation with such indulgences as now fill the land with depravity. . . . There 
then will not be as many divorce cases as now. . . . May the dear angels bless you and 
keep you as pure, true, and good as I know your soul desires to be ! 

"M. S. TOWNSEND." 

The following extract was written just after the stormy convention 
of Spiritualists in Chicago. The author was formerly one of the edi- 
tors of " The Spiritual Age." Has not the able brother told us the 
truth? Has there not been a " daubing with untempered mortar?" 

"Washington, D.C., Oct. 25. 

"Dear Brother Peebles, — . . . An organization is not to come by thi'owing 
together a heterogeneous mass of antagonistic materials, expecting them to fall into order 
and harmonious combinations. Nature's method, God's method, is different. A little 
seed, or nucleus of life, is deposited ; and this attracts to itself such materials as are fit 
and proper to constitute the body to be built. So, if there is to be an organization among 
the crude materials of the Spiritualistic field, it must come of the deposit of a germ of 
vital truth, first in individual hearts, — or, perhaps, in an individual heart, — so vital as 
to attract around it by slow concretion the individual particles that will form a living 
and powerful body. I have no faith in the Convention-?^ method. It will eventuate in 
nothing but the formation of, at best, a lifeless body, an external shell, not pervaded by 
the living spirit. Let these little nuclei begin to be formed, and I shall have some hope. 
But these must not be mere financial organizations, — "to sustain a free platform," — 
on which a babel of contradictions may be enunciated. There must be a basis or center 
of vital yet catholic truth, — something positive, and not merely negative, — something 
which shall be esteemed of more value than all things else, — something which shall 
pervade and control the daily life of the believer. . . . 

" Our meetings are got up too much on the star system of theatrical managers. Speak 
ers are employed to draw, not to tell practical truths, or to develop a practical form of 
faith, or lead the way to a divine life. ... I earnestly recommend you for Washington, 
and am glad you are engaged. I anticipate much from your coming. 

" Yours truly, A. E. Newton." 

* This brother has been for years the efficient missionary for the Spiritualists of Massa- 
chusetts. 



HEART-ECHOES. 153 

These words of our sister, an efficient physician, have a ring of 
perfect steel, pure and clear in fiber, divinely practical. Millions 
will thank "Lucinda" for this beautiful letter, thus, to her surprise, 
made justly public : — 

"Detroit, Mich., Nov. 28, 1866. 

" Dear Brother Peebles, — Your last two sermons in Detroit gave me inexpressi- 
ble joy and hope ; because of their plainness upon that subject which, it seems to me, 
lies at the foundation of human progress. I mean the righteous generation of human 
beings. I want to bless you for your bravery in ascribing the beauty of Christ's charac- 
ter, to some extent at least, to his antenatal conditions. 

" But (pardon me) in the evening, when you spoke so forcibly, and I think so truly, 
of the sin against blasted human buds, did you not stop just where it might be inferred 
that the guilt rested mainly on the mother V 

"I know your heart is right here as everywhere, and doubtless your head too; and 
I will not say it is your duty to go farther in public : you and your guides know best. 
But I have felt impelled, for the sake of the thousands of overtaxed, unloved, suffering, 
must I say outraged wives, to beseech you to be faithful to husbands. If not in public, 
then in private, arrest their attention in some way. Men can control this whole matter 
if they will; and I have faith enough in human nature to believe 'tis not so much de- 
pravity as ignorance that prevents. Then give them light. When women have no un- 
asked children, there will be no more murdered ones. If the soul becomes immortal at 
conception, 'tis but a step to the truth that there should be no waste of the life-forces. I 
am glad, thrice glad, that you accept that truth. I almost think, when that is generally 
accepted in heart and life, the world will be saved. 

" Am I presuming in giving you these hints ? if so, my love for humanity, my earnest 
desire to see the race lifted from ignorance and death into light, life, and happiness, must 
be my apology. 

" Now, permit me to say, not to flatter, but to inspire, — few, very few are so well pre- 
pared to handle this whole subject as yourself. Your psychological power over an audi- 
ence, your personal purity and delicacy, fit you admirably for the task. I can not but 
feel that this duty, in a peculiar manner, is resting upon you, and, when well performed, 
one of the brightest, sweetest buds in the wreath placed by the archangel on the brow of 
the youth, will have unfolded to shed its beauty and fragrance on a grateful world. 

God bless you, in the inner and the outer man, and make you ever more and more 
useful, is the prayer of Your friend, 

" Lucinda S. Wilcox." 

"Crown Point, Ind., Feb. 15, 1867. 
" My Dear Brother, — ... As time bears us on through this world, I feel more 
and more your brotherly spirit. There is one soul linked with another in golden chains, 
riveted with the saintly hands of angels. All that I am I owe to you. 

"Lt. H. E. Luther." 

" Mount Lebanon, May 17, 1867. 

"J. M. Peebles: My Esteemed Friend, — I have just read an article in the Western 
Department of " The Banner of Light," which no man in the outer court of the temple 
of the Lord on earth but yourself could write. 

" You are a blessing to your race, a living spring in the desert of Korah. It is truly 
comforting to my sin-wearied soul to read such words as the article referred to contains. 



154 THE SPIEITUAL PILGRIM. 

" Go on; and be it your mission to teach the holy truth of the existence of a Resur. 
rection Order, of which Jesus was but the type to this generation ; and many will hear 
and read, and believe and bless. When they find that on earth they may rise with Christ, 
or rather Jesus, into an angelic estate to love God with all their hearts, and that they 
have no need of any lust of the flesh or mind to make them complete in happiness in 
time as in eternity. 
' "I send you my love, for your love of purity. 

" We have just received a visit from an editor of the Agriculturist Department of 
"The Tribune," N. C. Meeker, a man like minded with yourself. 

" Your friend, - F. W. Evans." 

"Penn Yan, N.Y., Nov. 5, 1867. 

"My Dear Brother J. M. Peebles, — It is now nearly ten years since you came 
to me in Battle Creek, and kindly laid your hand upon my shoulder, speaking in my ear 
the first words of true, manly friendship that I ever heard. I then doubted you. I 
judged you by my past experiences; but you taught me the world is not all pretension. 
I oftentimes think that my life was a stupendous vision, or half- wakeful dream, up to 
the very hour I first met you. Then and there the sunlight of usefulness shone upon 
me. Then my guiding star wheeled me into a new orbit, while over your luminous 
path I cast a dark shadow. Faithful to the charge intrusted to your care oy the angel 
' Morning Star,' you held out firm to the end, until time by its reward proved your labors 
not in vain. With a heart overflowing with deepest. gratitude, I remember all this. . . . 

" My audiences are increasing. May the blessings of God's ministering angels rest 
upon you ! 

" Thank God and the good angels, the battle is past, the race is won, and the victory 
is ours! " Your sincere brother, E. C. Duns." 

" Buffalo, N.Y., Jan. 17, 1868. 

" J. M. Peebles: Dear Sir, — ... I must tell you how deeply I have been ponder- 
ing your little sermon, ' An apple is good for nothing, if it falls off before it ripens.' So 
I mean to hang on ; for Heaven knows I am green enough. . . . 

" You spoke to me of a volume you expect to issue, 'Spiritualism among the poets.' 
Pardon me for asking if your attention has been particularly directed to William Blake, 
artist and poet of Queeo Elizabeth's day, I think. He claimed to get both poems and 
pictures, you recollect, from angels ; and gave proof enough in his works, I should judge, 
of the verity of his claim. 

" When I was a little girl, his simple rhymes that prefaced ' Mary had a little lamb,' 
were sweet to me as wild honey. You recollect, — 

' Piping down the valleys wild, — 
Piping songs of pleasant glee, — 
On a cloud I saw a child, 
And he, laughing, said to me,' &c. 

Fit beginning for a poem with so heavenly a moral, ' Why, Mary loves the lamb, you 
know.' " Very respectfully, Amanda T. Jones." 

"New York, Sept. 11, 1868. 
" My Dear Brother J. M. Peebles, — ... If you can use me in any way, only 
say so. Time, money, the legal profession, any thing at your command that man can 
accomplish, I will promise to do for you. . . . With the help of higher power, ere long, 



HEART-ECHOES. 155 

I trust, you may hear of your young disciple, whom you caused first to look into this 
great and glorious subject of Spiritualism. . . . 

" Yours fraternally, Geo. M. Danforth." 

" New York, Sept. 26, 1868. 
"Dear Friend Peebles, — How often I think of you, of your blessed work. 
You saved me spiritually. . . . Your articles in " The Banner," replete with thoughts 
ennobling, afford me much happiness. The one concerning 'Demons, obsessions,' &c, 
I read with great interest. Bless you, brother ! The angels, I believe, from the choice 
fields of thought and wisdom, cull for you both blossoms and the sweets to shed upon 
your life, — so full and abundant does it appear. 

" Your very true friend, Milton Bathbun." 

Rev. Geo. Severance, of Glover, Vt., Universalist, corresponded 
with Mr. Peebles. In a letter of June 13, 1869, after a kind allusion 
to Rev. Eli Ballou, editor of " The (Universalist) Repository," as a 
Spiritualistic brother, whom Mr. Peebles favorably noticed, he 
said, — 

" The value of Spiritualism consists in the fact, we have access to the other world, 
and can judge of the nature and character of its inhabitants. The revelations of Spirit- 
ualism on this point are worth more than all the bibles and treatises that have been 
written from the old point of view. We can see now how the sacred books of the Ori- 
ental nations originated. We can look upon Buddha, Zoroaster, Moses, Mohammed, and 
all the old worthies, not as impostors, but as men moved and inspired by the spirit-hosts 
of the departed of their respective nations." 

When N. B. Starr had painted " John " for Mr. Peebles, he, the 
artist, gave him these words : — 

" Go forth, my son, in the might and power of truth. Dare and do all things for God 
and humanity ; and so am I ever with thee. Amen ! John. ' ' 

" Eagle Harbor, N.Y., Sept. 26, 1870. 
"My Dear Brother Peebles, — . . . You speak of my being at McLean, the 
scene of your labors. Yes : I heard of you everywhere ; and, in preparing for your saint- 
ship, it would be well to settle the still open question, where you preached your first 
sermon? I was assured, at Kelloggsville, that it was there. At McLean, I was informed 
by several, that your first public utterance was heard there ; and when I got to Mr. 
Lamed' s, at Peruville, he assured me that I was in the house and the identical room in 
which the said first sermon was delivered. Well, wheresoever it was, I was delighted 
at so much hearty appreciation. . . . "Yours truly, A. C. Woodruff." 

Emma C. Odiorne and her friend Carrie M. Grimes, " literary, 
and pure in heart," called Mr. Peebles " Spiritual Father," because 
of his kind counsel and moral instruction. " Emma," now living 



156 THE SPIRITUAL PILGRIM. 

in the spirit-world, addressed him beautiful poetry, from which we 
quote : — 

" Steady, earnest, firm of purpose, 
Thine the power to aid and guide 
Souls, that, wavering, stand beside thee, 
Trembling on Life's rolling tide." 

Mediums — dear sufferers in this fighting world, precious links 
in the living chain let down from angels — everywhere receive Mr. 
Peebles's deepest sympathy and co-operation. Better than all others, 
they sun themselves in the spheres of the benevolent. 






CHAPTER XVII. 



THE WORKER AND HIS WORKS. 



" Some souls are descended directly from the line of archangels who have tasted the fruits 
of the gods, and are alone immortal." — Cora L. V. Tappan. 

Though taxed with labors in a thousand ways, connected with " The 
Banner of Light," correspondence, lecturing, and other duties, Mr. 
Peebles resolved to edit a book on " Spiritualism," whose historic 
materials he had been gleaning for years. We suggested that another 
work was then more essential for the spiritual public, — a singing- 
book. Both of us seemed to be blind to the responsibility. A cer- 
tain angel was accustomed to play upon a harp ; so he said " Call it 
'•The Spiritual Harp.' " One year of great toil, with the co-operation 
of Prof. E. H. Bailey, and the brain-wearying task was performed. 
It appeared in the market Sept. 1, 1868 : Wm. White & Co., pub- 
lishers. " It is a success," said Theodore Tilton, of the New- York 
" Independent ;" and so it has proved. 

The " Harp " finished, Mr. Peebles immediately wrote a sparkling 
pamphlet, entitled, " The Practical of Spiritualism : a Biographical 
Sketch of Abraham James, and Historic Description of his Oil- Well 
Discoveries in Pleasantville, Pa., through Spirit Direction." Here 
was a happy blending of the spiritual with the practical, demonstrat- 
ing that the spiritual philosophy is destined to open up the hidden 
wealth of earth in mines, oils, gases, plants, jewels, and be, in the 
hands of inventors and mechanics, the science and rule of new im- 
provements in human industries. 

In September of 1868, full of enthusiasm as ever, Mr. Peebles de- 
termined to complete his great work, and came to our " sweet home " 
in Sycamore, 111., with his huge piles of manuscripts and monster 
trunk, whose weight of precious books has caused many a hackman 
and porter to swear with an unction of blessing right in his face, one 

157 



158 THE SPIRITUAL PILGRIM. 

fellow suggesting that his punishment be to " carry that trunk on his 
back all over hell once a year ! " Traveling with many books is a 
sin against muscles and economy. " Light luggage as possible with 
convenience " was the after motto of the " Pilgrim : " " beware how 
we provoke profanity ! " Sundays he lectured in Chicago to increas- 
ing audiences ; week-days he was at our table, both working, vis-a- 
vis, under a power of inspiration that seemed to open the flood-gates 
of heaven. In four weeks the manuscripts of the " Seers of the 
Ages " were in the hands of the printers. Presto change ! Off 
again he flew to St. Louis for a masterly effort there, lecturing on 
the angel gospels. " Seers of the Ages " is read in every part of the 
enlightened world, and is cherished with gratitude to the author for 
his " pure and lofty sentiment." 

When all these books were in the market, another duty was im- 
posed by the angels. It was a "Thus saith John." We both felt a 
cloud of tears that burst overhead. 

The " Lyceum Guide," whose name " suggested itself," is " the 
prophetic charge, battle, and victory." With this promise we pressed 
forward, the angels selecting for us the necessary help to give it di- 
versity. James G. Clark, the American ballad-singer, and Emma 
Tuttle, the sweet poetess of Berlin Heights, Ohio, were added to the 
band of authors. With perfect harmony we all wrought, each in an 
appropriate sphere, for a foil year ; the patterns being given " on the 
Mount," with instructions to preserve the Lyceum system, projected 
from the spirit-world, and impressed upon the sensitive mind of A. J. 
Davis and others. It has made its debut in the critical market, and 
is running the race demarked by the heavenly counsellors : Adams & 
Co. of Boston, with J. Burns of London, imprint, its guardian pub- 
lishers. 

We extract from " The Banner of Light," Mr. Peebles's summing 
up of labors, simply for one year : — 

After alluding to his public writings and private correspondence, 
and the books just mentioned, he says, — 

" Have attended several grove-meetings, three State conventions, and the National 
convention in Eochester, N.Y. Lecturing each Sunday, save one, have spoken in these 
different localities: Hammonton, Philadelphia, New York, Brooklyn, Charlestown, Bos- 
ton, Worcester, Buffalo, Pleasantville, Titusville, Milan, Battle Creek, Omaha, Spring- 
field, Topeka, Chicago, and these last two months in St. Louis. Have attended twenty- 
nine funerals, and have been present at eight weddings, performing the ceremony. 

" Hope to accomplish more during 1869.. The field is the world. Spiritualism is the 



THE WOEKEE AND HIS WOEKS. 159 

great living movement of the age. Its watchword progress, its triumph is certain. 
What the recompense for untiring labors in the reform-fields of the times? Let the 
patriotic and self-sacrificing Garibaldi answer: 'In recompense for the love you may 
show your country, I offer you hunger, thirst, cold, war, and death ; who accepts these 
terms, let them follow me.' 

" The future is all star-gemmed and rainbow-crowned. Let us on, then, brave sol- 
diers, fighting the good fight of faith, wielding the sword of the Spirit. Under and in 
sympathy with the bannered hosts of God over us, let us on to victory." 

The following, from friendly letters meant only for private eyes, 
index the business of the man in the sphere he fills ; whose example 
here will certainly evoke ambition to " Go thou, and do likewise : " — 

" Battle Creek, Dec. 29, 1858. 

..." The day is dark and dull, but my spirit is bright and strong to battle for the 
right, and the upbuilding of the Harmonial Dispensation. Last Sunday, labored in 
Chicago. Had a good time. Saw Mr. and Mrs. Anderson of Lasalle, 111., mediums. 
He is a spirit portrait-painter. Through him, in an hour and about three minutes, I got 
a picture of Powhattan, my dear Indian friend. He is a noble-looking spirit, though an 
Indian all over. Tell ' Nellie ' to send back my sister's heart. Spiritualists should not 
steal." 

"North Collins, Pa., July 5, 1864. 

" My Dear Charlie, — ... My lectures in New York (thanks to John and the 
circle) were a perfect success. When I was through the second evening, Brother A. J. 
Davis came on to the rostrum, and said these kind words : ' You dear brother, you have 
baptized us with the very love-dews of heaven. You have twined yourself around all 
our hearts, and left your blessing with us for ever.' I had a splendid time at his house. 
His nature combines the simplicity of a child with the metaphysical acumen of the 
philosopher. I spent some time with Judge Edmonds and Madame d'Obeney, the great- 
est woman traveler of the age. Her description of Mt. Vesuvius and the Pyramids was 
grand. Oh, I almost want to run away, and travel in Asia! " 

" Providence, Dec. 14, 1864. 

..." Senator Sprague is a Liberalist; his mother, a very devoted Spiritualist. To- 
morrow I spend the afternoon at their green-house. In winter a green-house is next 
door to heaven." 

"New York, Feb. 9, 1865. 

'* J. M. is himself again. Has passed the ' second watch, and, though roughly handled, 
trusting in his guide, reached ' Mount Eepose.' . . . 

" Last Sunday, ten mediums gave me their cards, offering to give me their ' sittings ; ' 
but I think some of them, in their souls, wanted me to ' puff 7 them in ' The Banner of 
Light ' more than any thing else. Still, I appreciate their kindness, and should more, 
if they did not ' daub ' on the flattery so thick. I am not ' an angel scattering sunshine,' 
but an angular and inharmonious man, doing what 1 can, as aided by my circle, for 
humanity. . . . 

" Oh, that I had a body that my soul could use ! The truth is, I am too submitting, 
too much afraid of making people trouble. ... It was very kind in you, brother, to in- 
quire after my ' purse.' I need somebody to keep it for me, and always did. It costs 
me nearly all 1 make to pay traveling expenses. 

" Be cautious, my brother, what you say to women and men. Think before you 
speak." 



160 THE SPIRITUAL PILGRIM. 

" Milwaukee, April 10, 1865. 
..." The bells are ringing and cannon thundering in honor of the surrender of Lee's 
army to Grant. Well, I shall rejoice in peace; for deep in my soul do I love it." 

"Sheboygan Falls, Wis., April 20, 1865. 
..." My life has been a struggle, a battle. It probably ever will be, though 
mediums are continually volunteering their services to point out flowers, smiles, and 
prosperity just ahead. I am coldly unmoved and skeptical to their beautiful pictures. 
It is Emersonian to accommodate one's self to fate. . . . I would rather talk with Aaron 
Nite than eat, or drink when thirsty; but I find I can live and enjoy myself without any 
verbal conversation with him. It is probably at times best, as it inspires me to enter- 
tain myself, and further acquaint myself with the knowledge and book-wisdom of this 
world, knowing there is an eternity for me ' Over the River ' to study its mysteries 
under the teachership of ' John the Beloved.' I suppose the self-poised, well-balanced 
man is never alone, never inclined to give up or despair; for he feels that law, destiny, 
fate, are over all, and ' all is for the best.' ... I laugh at each pang. ' Better that I 
suffer than cause any one else to suffer; ' so says John." 

" Battle Creek, June 16, 1865. 

. . . "My more ancient spirit-friends have kept me among the rubbish of old histo- 
rians with reference to the ancient civilizations, say twelve and fifteen thousand years 
ago. . . . 

"I am crowded with business, — so crowded that I know not which way to turn. 
During last week, I had invitations to attend four grove-meetings (Dewitt, Charlotte, 
Livonia, and one in Indiana). I refused them all, and also a pressing invitation to attend 
the two-days' anniversary in Sturgis this week, — Saturday and Sunday. Must write, 
instead of tramp, tramp, so much ! 

" On the Fourth, I deliver an oration in Laphamville, Mich. ; am also urged to give a 
temperance address in Valparaiso, at a festival. There's no end to these calls: I should 
like to be in the spirit-world, and have about five mediums to control; think I could 
keep them all busy, after getting the ' hang ' of the machines." 

..." I like some of Dr. C. A. Andros's spirit-controls much. One, an ancient Jew, 
is keen and sharp as steel, and he fairly got the better of me on one point in an argu- 
ment." 

"Boston, Mass., Monday after Convention at Providence, R.I. 
. . . " Am weary and worn out, tired of shaking hands, tired of being on commit- 
tees, tired of talking, and sigh for the quiet of a pleasant old pine forest. The conven- 
tion was a great success : yon ought to have been present. It accomplished much. 
Report will be in the ' Banner.' . . . The convention was high-toned. Father Pierpont 
was in his glory. He has since gone to glory ! Dear saint, he : I loved, — still love 
him." 

" Worcester, Aug. 23, 1865. 
. . . "I have visited my dear parents, spending several days, and shall go again. 
Father is feeble. ... I am with Dr. 0. Martin, where I always enjcy myself gloriously. 
His garden is full of pears, reminding me constantly of Brother Nite ; his house full of 
books ; he has always a seat for me in his carriage. He has removed the obstruction in 
my ear, just forward of the tympanum, with an instrument and by syringing with warm 
water, so that I can hear all right. The doctor knows something; but I would give 
any thing to have Dr. Schwailbach take him ' down the banks ' — medically — just 
once. 



THE WORKER AND HIS WORKS. 161 

"Next Sunday I am to speak in Plymouth, ever memorable as the landing-place 
of the Pilgrims. It is the Mecca of the Congregationalists." 

" Battle Creek, Dec. 20, 1865. 
"Brother * * * * — Home at last; dearest spot too. . . . Found your letter 
awaiting me. God bless you, preserve you, and angels hold you in charge ! You are 
my soul-brother. I love you, and can not help it: hence there is no merit, is there? 
Wish you were here to ' lay hands ' on my weak eyes ; that would test your apostleship. 
They are some better, however. You say 'rest, rest.'' Dear brother, there's no rest this 
side the grave. Calls and correspondence are continually widening. How true, ' Life 
is real! ' My unseen angel and inspiring influence tell me, that we have yet a work to 
do in concert: I believe it." 

" Battle Creek, Aug. 3, 1866. 
..." The State Convention passed off finely. Finney, Whipple, Jarneison, Wads- 
worth, Barrett, Wheelock, Harrison, Andros, were present as speakers ; and all spoke 
well. Being sick, I rode down to every session, and sat in a rocking-chair. I fully ap- 
preciate what you say about my body's being frail and tender. More and more I am 
conscious of it; and I tell you, it is not worth ' fussing ' with much longer. Only think, 
forty-four years I have borne around the shell. It's about time I ' kicked ' out of it. 
Only the consideration of work undone reconciles me to patch up the frame and tarry." 

" Washington, D.C., Jan. 18, 1867. 
. . . " Last week I went to the President's reception; shook his hand. To-morrow, I 
go to his residence with Maj. a friend at court, to spend a couple of hours in conver- 
sation. Senators, and more or less members of the lower house, attend our Sunday 
meetings regularly. Ross, chief of the Cherokees, called on me night before last. He 
brought with him ' Bushy Head,' and another Indian chief." 

"Battle Creek, April 19, 1867. 
... "I shall expect to edit a paper for earth, when I cross Jordan, — why not? . . . 
I went to Chicago the first of this week — sent for in haste — to be a pacificator. They 
are all in a ' mux ' in ' The Spiritual Republic' " 

" Detroit, Aug. 13, 1867. 
. . " Sunday evening, after I was through speaking in Detroit, I was so weak — my 
lungs sore — I could hardly get home to my room. It annoys me, because I will not be 
able to do much, or say much, at the Cleveland convention. Already I have received 
several letters, asking me to frame certain resolutions, and put forward certain matters 
of importance. These conventions are far below my ideal." 

" Battle Creek, Oct. 22, 1867. 
..." Am engaged ' packing up ' for Hammonton, N.J. Out into the world ! It 
chills me. I go West to-morrow ; first to Springfield, then to St. Louis. . . . Have had 
a good time speaking here this month. Sunday evening they could not all get into the 
hall. Had I been a stranger-speaker here, it would have been natural enough ; but living 
here eleven years, and speaking so much, it seemed good — or queer. The work broad- 
ens. Where is the end ? . . . Some time in December next, the young men (Unitarians) 
of Meadville College want me to come and give them a course of lectures on Spiritual- 
ism. . . . Say to Brother Nite that he will post himself in regard to Zoroaster. I propose 
to ask him to let his light shine. 
11 



162 THE SPIRITUAL PILGRIM. 

" Buffalo, Dec. 7, 1867. 

. . . " Christmas Eve, I am to marry a couple in Boston; Christmas Day, the spirit- 
artist, N. B. Starr, comes to meet me. Next day shall be in 4 Banner' office, settling up 
year's account. Friday eve, lecture before a literary society in Ashland. Sunday, 
speak in Taunton. New Year's, in New York; marry a couple there, — Dr. M. H. 
Houghton to an interesting lady of Vermont. Then to Hammonton, N. J., to see family; 
and thence to Washington for a month. So I go through the world, writing on the 
wing." 

" Detroit, Feb. 6, 1869. 

. . . " Am in the midst of a spiritual revival. The Lord is on the ' giving hand.' 
Our choir is magnificent, — congregational singing. Bead a service from the ' Harp,' 
morning and evening. It is beautiful." 

It is a spiritual law, that whom we defend in adversity we love. 
There is a place in our Pilgrim's soul for the names of Charles A. 
Hayden and Herman Snow. Speaking of them in a private note, 
Mr. Peebles says, — 

" Brother Hayden, good and aspiring. It is noble in him, or any young man or lady, 
to seek the advantages of scholarship. The shield of character is all the tougher for some 
shafts of scorn. . . . We have bled in the same cause. . . . And there is Brother Her- 
man Snow, — brother of our Lyceum sister, Mrs. J. S. Dodge of Chelsea, Mass>, — once a 
Unitarian clergyman, now a Spiritualist of practical good sense. . . . We have fought in 
the same army, under official commissions from the angels. Up there, I shall be a 
witness on the defensive when the celestial court tries him ! And this will be my plea : 
' Worthy of admission, for he belongs to the divine church of humanity, having prayed 
in deeds of love. Let him in, Brother Peter ! " 

" Boston, June 4, 1869. 
. . . " Why don't you write an editorial in ' The American Spiritualist ' defensive of 
the poor Indians? See Hudson Tuttle's late article. Let us have all sides of the ques- 
tion. The Indians are God's natural children, and my brothers. They are fading away, 
however, as the red sunsets of autumn." . . . 

" Lowell,, Mass., May, 1869. 
..." Sunday in Lowell, city of spindles ! Had a good meeting. Saw your friend, 
S. W. Foster. ... I am more and more interested in the Shakers : they are so quiet, 
unassuming, neat, and pure-minded. . . . I pray God to keep me out of the lower strata 
of Boston magnetism. Oh, I look beyond for my support ! and find repose, as J. H, 
Powell so gracefully says, in his ' Life Pictures,' — 

" ' In bowers of Gk>d, — where the citron and pearl, 
Coral and crystal, diamond and beryl, 
Passion-flower, pride of the spirit ! a*nd rose, 
Gleam in a glory for ever that glows. — 
Bright angels are waiting with love in their eyes ; 

Waiting for thee, 
Where cedar and myrtle and lemon arise, 
Under deep azure and gold-gleaming skies; 

Waiting and singing, gayly and free, 

Waiting for thee.' " 



THE WOEKEE AND HIS WORKS. 103 

" St. Louis, Dec. 16, 1869. 
" Friend Joseph, — On th}*- forehead the angels have written the words, ' True and 
faithful: The world is full of good men, good women. Why did you send me that 
proof just now? My inspiration is at a low ebb. Each has at times his Gethsemane. 
Just at present I am under a terrible cross-fire from the East and West, because of my 
articles defending the Indians. Kansas Spiritualists think my charity for the Indians is in 
excess of my justice or wisdom. There is seemingly a legion of Indian spirits about 
me now. They are to me physical life. . . . Have the within ' Memorial ' in behalf of 
the Indians filled as soon as you can, and forward to Washington." 

Naturally the query rises, What is the power that enables a frail 
mortal to accomplish so much? What the love-genius whispering, 
" Thus only canst thou win the heart of the angel who is thine ? " 

"' The battle of life,' says our Pilgrim, ' in a majority of cases must necessarily be 
fought up hill. To win the victory without a struggle would be to win it without 
honor. While difficulties intimidate the weak, they act only as stimulants to men of 
energy and resolution. A whining shiftlessness is absolutely despicable ! Give us a 
stirring demon in preference to an easy, slow, sluggish, self-righteous saint. 

" Upward evolutions are through effort. Every thing that grows — grasses, grains, 
forests — pushes upward against the law of gravitation. The higher is attained only 
through struggle. All the diverse experiences of life serve to demonstrate, that the im- 
pediments thrown in the way of individual advancement may be overcome by steady 
good conduct, honest convictions, active perseverance, and a determined resolution to 
surmount all difficulties, and stand up manfully against all misfortunes. 

" Leaning, everlastingly leaning, upon somebody is soft and waxy as putty. Would to 
heaven we could infuse a moral decoction of spinal stiffening into the American multi- 
tude ! Bless the man or woman that dares say wo, and say it squarely ! Strike out ! 
Planting your feet upon the platform of eternal principles, fight Life's moral battles ear- 
nestly, sincerely, bravely ; certain then will be the victory. 

" ' By the thorn-road, and no other, 
Is the mount of triumph won. 
Tread it without shrinking, brother : 
Jesus trod it; press thou on ! ' " 

Comparatively, Mr. Peebles is poor as to this world's goods. He 
loves not money, only for its beneficent use. He is a spiritual artist, — 

" Building better than he knew, 
The conscious stones to beauty grew." 

There is a story told of a poor man of unbefriended association, 
honest and modest, faithful and pure-hearted, who was one day visited 
by a heavenly guest, a charming angel, clothed in the glories of 
exalted mind. He could find no language to picture such beauty to 
delight the world ; and yet he felt a rising purpose thus to invite his 



164 THE SPIRITUAL PILGRIM. 

fellows into the heaven he had entered by enraptured sight. With 
overwhelming inspiration, he attempted to carve out an image of that 
angel from the pure marble. He never lost the heavenly expres- 
sion ; for that angel came again and again, in divine posture, for him 
to copy. Long years he toiled, with diligent hand and delicate 
touches, and yet it was not finished ; for a life-time could not thus 
delineate such beauty. One morning, his neighbors found the poor 
man dead beside his statue : his spirit had fled, his body was cold as 
his marble. Everybody said, " What a fool, to spend so much time 
so vainly ! " But the angel looked into his soul, and lo ! the image 
was there, fully developed ; and he took it away to the heavenly tem- 
ple, where it belonged, — a living form of spiritual beauty. Is not 
our Pilgrim working on the marble of character ? Behold it, by and 
by! 

" Build thee more stately mansions, O my soul ! 

As the swift seasons roll, 

Leave thy low- vaulted Past ! 
Let each new temple, nobler than the last, 
Shut thee from heaven with a dome more vast, 

Till thou at length art free, 
Leaving thine outworn shell by Life's unresting sea I *' 



CHAPTER XVIII. 

THE OBSESSED WOMAN - . 

" Pause I her story soon is told: 
Once a lamb within the fold ; 
Stranger voices lured her thence 
In her spotless innocence." 

Oh, the life-drifts of the human heart ! oh, its tempest-tost waves, 
shivering cold upon the rocks ! Whither bound upon this sea ? A 
feeling may be the compass ; a look enspheres. The smile that 
intoxicates makes room for a tear. 

" Those tears will run 
Soon in long rivers down the lifted face, 
And leave the vision clear for stars and sun." 

Read the inward law, so fearfully moral : " He that looketh on a 
woman to lust after her hath committed adultery already with her in 
his heart." The commerce of spheres, even in thought, is illicit, if 
the heart is lustful. Beware of the web the wary spirit weaves to 
steal virtue ! 

William Howitt, clear-headed and morally religious, after sum- 
ming up an array of stubborn facts, says, in reference to " infesta 
tion : " — 

" Nothing has become better known through the physico- spiritual experiences which 
have been taking place in thousands of spots on almost every quarter of the globe dur- 
ing the last twenty years, than that we can not only 'call spirits from the vasty deep,' 
but that they can come, when we do call {and too often when we do not), if they can but 
once quaff the vital spirit of the blood through us as mediums. They will come in 
legions, and in armies, only too glad to renew their connection with the material 
world. . . . They will come as if delighted to feel their hold once more on material 
force. . . . They will come with all their old characters, passions, and weaknesses, and 
revel in lies, in pretenses, in mystifications, and often in lawless fun, or even wicked 
and diabolical annoyances; showing that the regions lying close on the other side of the 
invisible boundary betwixt matter and spirit are still the counterpart of the regions on 
this side. 

165 



166 THE SPIRITUAL PILGRIM. 

"Nothing is clearer than that those spirits who are haunting the very edge of this 
earth are still too much allied to it ; are still earthly in mind and desire ; are still long- 
ing, with a backward glance, ' for the flesh-pots of Egypt.' Like the souls of Gray's 
' Elegy,' they have left the warm precincts of the cheerful day, but cast a longing, linger- 
ing look behind. As the tree falls, so it lies. As on earth they cultivated only the 
spirit and tone of the earth; as they gave up to it their whole soul, hope, ambition, and 
exertion ; as they molded and incorporated their tastes, feelings, yearnings, and pas- 
sions into its nature; as they heaped up its riches as an eternal trophy from which 
nothing could sever them, — they have stepped into the spirit-regions as aliens, having 
no possible heritage or enjoyment in them, except in so far as these resemble these from 
which they have lately been ejected. An intense and agonizing yearning draws them 
back to the old haunts and conditions of being ; and they snatch with frenzied and con- 
vulsive fingers at whatever and whoever affords them the mediumistic means of regain- 
ing something, more or less, of the taste and consciousness of earth-life. Hence all the 
phenomena of possession and obsession which history has recorded, and which modern 
times have shown terrible examples of; hence the wild and frantic demonstrations of 
Morzine; hence cases of the most awful spiritual persecutions of particularly suscepti- 
ble persons of to-day. These woful spirits, drenched with the sensuous elements of the 
life which they led on earth, — selfish as they were then to the very inmost depths of 
their natures, — rush with a reckless and gluttonness appetite into the tissues of unfor- 
tunately open constitutions, and exult in breathing, drinking in, gustating, with a cruel 
and relentless ardor, the sensations and odors of this mortal life once more. . . . But the 
vast inspirations from the malevolent and destructive which we have been remarking 
on result from no cultivation of Spiritualism. They operate unconsciously and inde- 
pendently on the masses, credulous or incredulous, educated or uneducated, refined or 
vulgar. The calamities of war, of intoxication, and the other self or mutually inflicted 
crimes and follies of mankind, are too hideous and extraordinary to result from any 
mere natural cause. They are, as the apostles tell us, set on fire by hell, and by the 
'powers and principalities agains-t whom we wrestle, not against mere flesh and blood; 
by the rulers of the darkness of this woi-ld, the spiritual wickedness in high places.' 
Those human excesses which pollute and desolate the earth from age to age, in spite of 
religion, and in spite of the highest reach of civilization, are too monstrous and too mad 
to result from any simple incentives of human infirmity. They proclaim their origin 
from the accumulated sorceries of the pandemoniums of the past." 

Whilst in Boston, in the summer of 1868, editing " The Spiritual 
Harp," we had frequent opportunities of being with Mr. Peebles in 
many an interesting experience. One day, he called at the office of 
" The Banner of Light," asking if we would like to " see a case of per- 
fect obsession." Arm-in-arm, we threaded our way through the crazy 
crowds, and entered a boarding-house kept by a Spiritualist lady. 
We knocked at the door of the room occupied by the unfortunate 
woman. No response. We pressed the door open ; and there she lay 
alone on the hard floor, covered with her shawl (her kind attendant 
sister being absent for a moment), frothing at the mouth, and mutter- 
ing strange sounds. " Pity, oh, pity ! " was our mutual ejaculation. 
The landlady could not have her there : " she must leave ! " Who 



THE OBSESSED WOMAN. 167 

would befriend her ? We roused her from her stupor ; and Mr. Pee- 
bles, kindly offering his arm, accompanied her to the United States 
Hotel, assuring the clerk that the bills should be paid. Procuring a 
suitable room, we endeavored magnetically to soothe the poor creature, 
and succeeded to that degree that she calmly told her history with 
tears of sorrow. 

A fascinating girl, she had many suitors, who nattered her with 
vain ideals of life. One she loved as woman's heart can love. 

Parents refused the banns, and by social considerations consum- 
mated a marriage with one she instinctively repelled, though he was 
rich and high-bred. The loss of her own lover, killed on board " The 
Essex," in the late rebellion, and marriage with her oppressor, who 
compelled her to murder her babes, ere they breathed the air, to 
gratify his insatiate lusts, at length fell crushing her soul, mad- 
dened to gloom and despair. In her sorrow, she sought the spirits. 
Ignorant of magnetic subtilties, corrupted by promiscuous circles, cast 
off a lost woman by the Christian Church, stained by forced lusts till 
the very fountains of life were the nest of Eden's serpent, she inci- 
dently entangled herself in poisoned influences, and finally was com- 
pletely enveloped in the magnetic coils of demoniac possessions. The 
manifestations were plainly spiritual, but disorderly. 

In a moment of sanity, she caught an impression, doubtless from a 
spirit, that she and her sister must go to Boston, and, if possible, se- 
cure the aid of the spiritual battery of " The Banner of Light." It 
would not do. The editor of that paper saw the peril of such a sphere, 
introduced for covert designs. Mr. Colby was guard against that 
influence, like a faithful sentinel ; Mr. White, full of charity, pondered 
upon his duty ; Mr. Crowell was severe, and determined to expel that 
medium and her baud from the city. The general caution, however, 
linked us all into a mutual responsibility. We engaged a healing 
physician, Dr. Greenwood of Boston, to expel the obsessing spirits ; 
but the spirits saw the intent, and threw her into spasms to baffle 
our purpose. The poor girl, as if conscious of one open valve of 
escape from the serpentine spheres of her obsessors, entwined her 
arms around Mr. Peebles's neck, and chained him fast, breathing into 
his face, and winding those fiery cords around him, till at last she 
imparted to him the burning in her soul ; when he tore away, bur- 
dened with the dark miasma, — the moral death-sphere of Hades 
itself. He was the clean cup to drain the poison, eating the body 



168 THE SPIRITUAL PILGRIM. 

and soul of the poor woman. With a quick step he rushed into the 
open air, evoked his orderly spirits, went to his room in Charlestown, 
bathed himself, prayed for divine help, and fell asleep so trustfully ; 
when the angels overshadowed him with folding wings, awaking 
hopeful dreams till morn, when he rose refreshed and happy. Meet- 
ing us the next day with a cordial hand, he said, " Come, Joseph, 
we must go to another house, that our spiritual strength may not 
break under this awful pressure." He led us to the residence of Dr. 
A. P. Pierce, a spirit-healer, by whose mediumship obsessed persons 
and houses are cleansed, and better influences introduced ; and here 
we rested, as if baptized in dews of the summer land ! Thus rejuve- 
nated, Mr. Peebles, a few days after, was urgently sent for to see this 
poor woman at the United States Hotel. The very hells had broken 
loose upon her ; madness, fury, insanity, were as " legion " in her 
brain; her husband cursed, her departed lover invoked, her helpless- 
ness deplored, her clothes torn and ruined, and the despair of horror 
stamped upon her face. But the presence of Mr. Peebles partially 
calmed her ; when she gave, at her better moments, beautiful tests, 
described spirits, presented fine drawings, improvised and sung exquis- 
ite poetry under spirit-influence. Mr. Peebles advised them to return 
home to Connecticut. She and her sister yielded at last. Messrs. 
White & Co., with Mr. Peebles, paid the bills. Having destroyed 
her bonnet, she asked for something to protect her head ; and Mr. 
Peebles tied his handkerchief over it, and then, with hair dishevelled 
and glaring eyes, she took his offered arm for the cars across the 
street. In the mean while, the police had gathered into the hotel ; 
and all the clerks, maids, and waiters were on the qui vive at the con- 
fusion of the " insane woman," — the a fruit of Spiritualism ! " as the 
genteel orthodox said of it. As Mr. Peebles and the woman, at- 
tended by her weeping sister, passed through the office, the crowd 
jeering in suppressed jokes, one of the clerks exclaimed, " There goes 
the old, long-haired Israelite ! " No chance for a just rebuke, he 
silently led her out, provoked at the taunts, but resolute to protect the 
unfortunate till the cars started. We both resolved, " We will never 
patronize that hotel again." The next morning, he was astonished to 
receive a telegram from Warren Chase of New York, asking him, 
in emphatic words, why he had sent that crazy person to him. Mr. 
Rich, of " The Bauner of Light," promptly exonerated Mr. Peebles 
from any blame, assuring him that she was expected to have gone 



THE OBSESSED WOMAN. 169 

home. But the spirits were evidently wiser than the rest. The ob- 
sessed was influenced to say, u Send me to S. B. Brittan." This 
experienced Spiritualist, thoroughly comprehending the case, immedi- 
ately sought the assistance of Dr. A. S. Haywood, who undertook 
the task of restoring order. Meanwhile, a prudish lady ( ?) of New 
York, whose services were sought as a necessity, declared, "The wo- 
man is base ; and here is the evidence of it," she added, with a toss of 
the head, " in this handkerchief: see the name of a man on it, — Pee-^ 
bles ! " So she reported Mr. Peebles to her slandering associates 
"a bad man." Did not that handkerchief tell the story? Could 
wickedness descend to greater depths? Thus do the vile seek to turn 
our good against us. Dr. Haywood was successful. The obsessing 
influences left her : she was in her right mind, and soon after wrote 
a letter of great gratitude to Mr. Peebles for his philanthropic pro- 
tection during her days of distress. From reliable authority we 
learn she is now happy. Thus self-sacrifice is always rewarded ; and 
every kind act, like a wandering minstrel, blesses some dependent soul. 
Writing on the subject of demons in his u Seers of the Ages," Mr. 
Peebles says, — 

" Like ^attracts like. Every door must have a hinge to swing upon. No evil spirit 
can approach us unless — morally weak — Ave possess a magnet within, attracting cor- 
responding influences. This, so painful to endure, is the lesson of our frailty, teaching 
the moral necessity of fostering better conditions for more heavenly relations. 

" Sensitiveness to psychological influx, susceptibility to mediumistic control, implies 
higher and lower use and abuse. Will not the tender flower be touched by the frost as 
well as by the sunbeam? The greater the capacity to rise involves a similar capacity 
to fall. The charm of a darkened demon is as potent as an angel's, where a point of in- 
gress is possible. Then, according to the apostolic injunction of John, trust not, " be- 
lieve not every spirit, but try the spirits ! " 

" If spirits uncultured and evil impress, and at times completely obsess, mortals, is 
not the practice of phenomenal Spiritualism dangerous ? Yes, dangerous as the sun- 
shine, that, falling alike on flowers and thorns, the just and the unjust, produces an 
occasional sun-stroke ; dangerous as the spring rain, that, sweeping away old rickety 
bridges, carries rich alluvial to the valley below; dangerous as steamers, that now and 
then send bodies down to find graves under green sea-weeds, whilst on their beneficent 
missions of international commerce; dangerous as mining, railroading, telegraphing, 
which develop the hidden wealth of a nation. Shall we therefore dispense with them? 
Shall none pursue geological pursuits because Hugh Miller committed suicide? Briars 
abound where berries grow. It is one of the offices of guardian angels to protect their 
mediums from the inharmonious magnetisms of unwise, perverse spirits, and the psy- 
chological attractions of depraved mortals." 

Respecting the curative agencies of obsession, a Christ-like spirit 
thus speaks through the mediumship of Emma Hardinge : — 



170 THE SPIRITUAL PILGRIM. 

" A good spirit will not attempt to take and hold unwarrantable possession of a me- 
diumistic organization: hence you may rest assured of what class it is from whence the 
phenomenon of obsession proceeds. Now, if the infesting spirit were not magnetically 
stronger than his subject, he could not maintain possession, however he might once gain 
a temporary ascendency. The true processes of cure, therefore, are obvious and dual. 
First, let all possible means be taken to strengthen the health of the subjects, and render 
their minds positive to the control of others. Good air, good diet, change of scene, asso- 
ciation, and constant employment, pleasant society, and cheerful, active occupations, 
are the physical means, which steadily resorted to may alone effect a cure. If these fail, 
use in connection with them the aid of a strong-willed, powerful, and virtuous magnet- 
Mzer. Let him continue with unflinching constancy to exert his will, and add thereto 
magnetic passes over his subject, and we will pledge our faith and word that he will 
speedily dispossess the enemy, though he were the fabled Beelzebub in propria per sonaz." 



CHAPTER XIX. 

INDIAN SPIRITS AND THEIR BRETHREN WEST. 

" Better trust all, and be deceived, 

And weep that trust and that deceiving, 
Than doubt one heart, that, if believed, 
Had blest one's life with true believing." 

Frances Anne Kemble. 

When alone in Nature's solitudes, Mr. Peebles frequently talks 
aloud with the spirits. One evening in California, stars as sen- 
tinels, he ascended a terrace of the Nevadas, and, standing there 
rapt in mystery, as an Apollo, addressed a vast concourse of spirits. 
His voice of persuasion echoed wildly through the rocky caverns and 
arches, leaping up into heaven, till it verily seemed that the en- 
tranced angels heard it, trembling. Several miners, passing the 
trail beneath, startled at the strange ideas, reported, as Aaron Nite 
afterwards said, that they " heard a crazy man on a mountain talking 
with the ghosts." 

In July, 1869, Mr. Peebles, Dean Clark, and ourself were the 
speakers at a mass meeting of three thousand persons held in 
Plymouth, Wis., — H. S. Benjamin, President, and E. W. McGraw, 
Secretary. Just as Mr. Peebles composed himself for a rest of 
brain, he was suddenly called on to speak. For a moment it roused 
a feeling of murmuring ; he was about declining, when a gentle 
wave of inspiration swept over him. Hidden from the waiting 
crowd, tears trickled down his cheeks. He was listening to spirit- 
voices, which said so tenderly in sad music words, — 

" James, have we been so long with you, and yet you doubt our 
presence to aid you? See these hungry souls : rise, and speak;" 
and he obeyed with a power. " Have we been so long with you? " 
rang in his ears for hours. 

During his visit at our rustic home on the forest shore of Elkhart 

171 



172 THE SPIRITUAL PILGRIM. 

Lake, Wis., near Glen Beulah, he made a speech to the Indian 
spirits who years agone inhabited that picturesque locality. Here 
we built a wigwam for literary work. He thus describes it : — 

" Impressed from the heavenly ' hunting- grounds ' of the Indians, Brother Barrett 
had been moved, ere we reached those regions, to fashion a quiet and beautiful retreat 
near the margin of these musical waters, by bending and twisting saplings, shrubs, 
and larger trees into a crowning cone-form, constituting a wigwam bower of prayer, 
a veritable temple of inspiration." 

One starry evening, prior to the mass meeting, the lake waves 
patting the wood-tangled banks, the leaves overhead keeping up a 
rustling tenor, several friends assembled in this wigwam ; when, after 
a few moments of silence, he rose, and, facing the lake, gazing off into 
the peopled space, addressed the Indian spirits, reminded -them of 
their sufferings, of the bloody resolution of the whites to extermi- 
nate their brethren in the West, and of his determination to defend 
their rights by the establishment of industrial systems of peace. 
How strange it seemed, that speech ! and yet responsive to the 
soul. After the Plymouth meeting, Brother Clark was entranced by 
an Indian spirit who most cordially thanked the " pale-face " for his 
" big talk in wigwam." Such gratitude ! 

Were there responses to these speeches ? yea, in the deep silence 
of impression, too eloquent for human language. But how often 
did the Indian spirits talk to the " pale-face " through a medium, 
telling him all his words and deeds of love were, known in the 
" hunting-lands," where they were making a " fine wigwam " for 
him, where a " pretty squaw was waiting till he come ! " 

Being at a seance when Mr. Peebles was present, with Dr. 
Dunn for medium, we asked Powhattan about his earth and spirit 
life : — 

"Me had one squaw," he said; "one pappoose, Kanawaubish, 'pretty water:' you 
call my pappoose Poc-a-hon-tas ! 

u Me Indian ; me no speak like white man ; me got nice wigwam, nice canoe, and bow 
and arrow; me hunt; me sleep under sky; me have for me bed the Big Spirit Hunting- 
Ground; me blanket is the blue heaven; me music is the breath of the Big Spirit, as 
he blows leaves of trees. In morning time, the Big Spirit look out from his windows 
[eyes], and the Indian kiss the dew from his forehead." 

In the winter of 1868, Mr. Peebles lectured in St. Louis and cities 
farther west, where his whole soul was stirred to intense action 
in defense of the Indians, whom the whites in all that region were 



INDIAN SPIRITS AND THEIR BRETHREN WEST. 173 

determined to exterminate. It called down upon him the ire of 
officials and pseudo-Spiritualists. He had been years before vice- 
president of the Universal Peace Society, and a most efficient 
worker. True to his instincts, he went forth on his love-errand. 
He wrote the following letter to his friend, A. H. Love, president of 
the society : — 

" Passing down the main street of Leavenworth, I saw a recruiting office; and reach- 
ing Topeka, on board the train for Lawrence were four cars loaded with cavalry officers. 
I saw the whitened tents of the soldiery. The army was awaiting orders to march 
upon the Indians. Oh, how my heart ached and my soul bled ! Constituting myself a 
peace commissioner, I immediately called upon Gov. Crawford and the State marshal, 
and protested, in kindness yet in great firmness, against this proposed movement to be 
conducted by Gen. Sheridan. I went on still west from Topeka, towards Colorado, 
conversing with Judge Humphrey, Col. Smith, and other army officers. It seemed as 
though God's angels aided me in thought and speech. These officers admitted the 
wisdom and beauty of my humanitarian position; but they were ' Utopian, and imprac- 
ticable^ they said; ' and adapted to times a hundred years hence.' . . . 

" Perhaps I am too enthusiastic for the red man, our brother, God's child. Perhaps 
I am too enthusiastic for peace throughout the world. But my soul's sympathies are 
stirred; and now, while I pen these lines, my eyes are suffused with tears. 

"Can not there be something done to flank this Western war-movement? It must 
start in the East. The extreme West is red for blood. 

"lam sorely tried. The Commissioners, save Col. S. F. Tappan, seem inclined to 
take retrograde steps. It is impossible to get to the Indians now personally : they sus- 
pect every body. If there could be a delegation gotten up in some way, in connection 
with the ' Peace Commissioners,' having the sanction of Government, I think something 
might be done ; but between now and spring, how many will be shot down by a barbar- 
ous soldiery! I sometimes feel like flying away from this Christian civilization, so false 
to justice and benevolence, and going off alone into their country, devoting my life to 
their good." 

About this time, reporting his Western experiences to " The Banner 
of Light," he tells the story in these stinging words : — 

"Stopping at the Planters' Hotel, Leavenworth, Kan., a very intelligent gentleman, 
just from Denver City, informed us, that, in an adjacent village, the citizens a few 
weeks previous had 'burned Gen. Sherman in effigy,' because connected with the Indi- 
an Peace Commission. He further said, it was the general purpose of the people in that 
region to kill indiscriminately Indian men, women, and children; for, he added, it takes 
but a little time for ' pappooses to make warriors." 

" In several Kansas cities recruiting offices were in full operation. Our train from Leav- 
enworth to Lawrence had four cars filled with cavalry horses, for the coming war of ex- 
termination. Just to the north-east of Topeka, in full view, was the tented soldiery of the 
19th Kansas, waiting the arrival of other companies for further orders. Inviting a gen- 
tleman to accompany us to the Indian country and the Western forts, he refused, because 
of the nightly depredations of the soldiers tenting near Topeka. ' Why, ' said he, ' they are 
stealing every thing they can lay their hands on !' Strange, thought we, that Government 



174 THE SPIRITUAL PILGRIM. 

should send out a thieving Christian soldiery to exterminate thieving Indians. It is the 
old Bible story and practice of the Israelites going into the lands of the Canaanites and 
Moabites to pillage and destroy. Our Christianity is galvanized Judaism; and our polit- 
ical policy, greedy for power and pelf, winks approval at the most horrid injustice. 
Whither are we drifting ? 

" Gov. Crawford of Kansas recently issued a proclamation savoring little of the 
tender, loving, forgiving spirit of Jesus, — good for evil, love for hate, blessing for curs- 
ing. Here follows the closing paragraph : — 

" ' Longer to forbear with these bloody fiends would be a crime against civilization, and 
against the peace, security, and lives of all the people upon the frontier. The time has 
come when they must be met by an adequate force, not only to prevent the repetition of 
these outrages, but to penetrate their haunts, break up their organizations, and either 
exterminate the tribes, or confine them upon reservations set apart for their occupancy. 
To this end the Major-General commanding this department has called upon the Execu- 
tive for a regiment of cavalry from this State. 

" Mark the phrase, i bloody fiends," 1 and the executive threat of ' extermination,' if 
they are not forced on to reservations ! 

" A professed Spiritualist of Lawrence, in a tongue-battle with us touching the solu- 
tion of the Indian question, exclaimed, ' 1 would to God that every one of those Indian 
Peace Commissioners [among xchich were Gens. Sherman, Harney, Augur, Terry, and others] 
was obliged to go out on the plains, and be scalped by the red-shins ! ' Are such senti- 
ments in accordance with the genius of Spiritualism '? Would it not be wisdom in Spir- 
itualist lecturers to devote more time to educating and spiritualizing thousands of nomi- 
nal Spiritualists, rather than encompassing sea and land to make new converts, who, 
when converted, often need re-converting every six months by a fresh batch of tests ? 
Quality is often preferable to quantity." 

The next winter, Mr. Peebles, lecturing in "Washington, D.C., 
was invited to a position as volunteer in the " Congressional In- 
dian Peace Commission," — consisting of Gens. Harney, Sheridan, 
Sherman, Sanborn, Taylor, Col. Parker, and Col. S. F. Tappan, — to 
visit the Indians, then fighting with the whites in the Sioux and Rocky 
Mountain regions ; for the purpose of organizing treaties, stopping 
the shedding of blood, and befriending them in their natural rights to 
a living on the American continent. He gathered up the testimony 
of Senators Doolittle, Foster, Nesbith, Sherman, Gen. Pope, and 
others, who averred, that, if the facts of the whites' rascality to the 
Indians " were published to the world, they would disgrace us in the 
eyes of all civilized nations." He quoted from the speeches of In- 
dian chiefs, asking for justice ; talked with W. P. Ross, chief of 
Cherokees, and other educated Indians, who demonstrate their capa- 
city to be civilized ; consulted John Beeson, the Indian's friend ; and, 
with burning words, said, in an editorial of " The Banner of 
Light," — 

" Our Saxon face is mantled with shame, and soul humbled in deepest humiliation, 
at the individual and associate crimes that blot the escutcheon of this great, wicked 



INDIAN SPIRITS AND THEIR BRETHREN WEST. 175 

Christian country, called United States of America. Crimes red as blood, vindictive as 
death, and black as the cinders of Pluto's pit ; crimes willful, determined, and continu- 
ous too, against the Indian tribes of the West, North-west, and South-west ! Is justice, 
is philanthropy, dead? Is progress a dream? and sympathy a mere historic legend? 
Our heart aches; our tears flow. God, angels, American citizens of the better thought 
and life, tell us what we can, what we ought, to do to check this nation from further 
cheating, swindling, sacking, shooting, slaughtering, and murdering, through its ofii- 
cers, superintendents, and agents, the three hundred thousand remaining aborigines of 
this country ? A government is responsible for the agents it employs and pays. In this 
country the people, with ballot in hand, are the government: accordingly you, readers, 
directly or indirectly, are responsible for the defrauding and murdering of those red men 
west of the Mississippi. 

" This Indian question is all the more grave at present from the consideration that 
the two waves of population between the Pacific and Atlantic coasts are soon to meet. 
Way-stations will dot Western mountains. A railroad will span the extremes, and a 
peaceable transit through these mountainous regions will be indispensable. The only 
way to secure such will be by the exercise of blended justice and kindness, — kindness 
and sympathy, not revenge; love, not hate; mercy, not vindictiveness ; integrity, sin- 
cerity, and peace ; deeds of purity and fraternity, rather than murderous acts of exter- 
mination. 

"William Penn had no difficulty with the Indians. They knew — know — their 
friends. The English government in Canada has never had an Indian war, nor has a 
life been lost by an Indian massacre. They live in peaceful relations with their white 
neighbors. Tribes have centered into Indian villages, around which the grass is green, 
and orchards bud, bloom, and bear their fruitage. 

" Our Government must give those three hundred thousand Indians the protection of 
law; must give them a civil-rights bill; must treat them as men; must give them indi- 
vidual and permanent right in the soil ; must grant them their annuities, and guard them 
against thieving agents, trafficking vagabonds, and a murderous soldiery: for they are 
God's children, and our brothers. This course pursued, and a continuous peace is 
secured with our red brothers of the West, — brothers originally noble in nature, firm in 
their friendships, and keen in their perceptions of the principles of natural justice. 

"Though treated as they have been by the whites, those that tread the shadow- 
lands of eternity are returning good for evil by descending from their hunting-ground 
homes in the heavens, with balms of healing, and words of love and cheer. Hours, 
days, months, in the past, have we talked with Powhattan, through the organism of a 
medium friend, relative to the past, present, and future of the Indians upon this conti- 
nent. 'Tis only justice to say, we have ever found this chief the very soul of simplicity, 
tenderness, truthfulness, and a genuine magnanimity. Blessings be upon Powhattan, 
Red Jacket, Tecumseh, Black Hawk, Thunder, Logan, Little Crow, Antelope, and all 
Indian spirits that are shedding their healing magnetisms and peace-influences upon the 
inhabitants of earth." 

In April, he started with these commissioners for the Far West. 
This is an extract from an editorial reporting his experiences : — 

"In Dakota Territory, near the confluence of the north and south forks of the Platte, 
we were privileged to sit with the Commission in an Indian Council. It was a novel 
scene, and every movement deeply interesting. The first glance at the Brulle Chief 
'Spotted Tail,' the sub-chiefs and warriors present, inclined us to silently exclaim, 
'What splendidly -molded forms! How dignified their bearing! These are truly men 
of health and of muscle; men of very large perceptive faculties, and magnificent noses, 



176 THE SPIRITUAL PILGRIM. 

— the Roman prevailing.' The tip-up and stub-noses that disfigure so many Hibernian 
faces characterize the features of none of the eighty thousand Sioux. The Cheyennes 
and Sioux are the enemies of the Pawnees. They fight very much like Christians. 

" At the preliminary meeting the more prominent of the tribe, dressed in native cos- 
tume (fancy colors as in our fashionable female society predominating), came in, deco- 
rated in beads, bones, buffalo-teeth, and glittering ornaments, — such as coils of brass 
wire, bands of silver upon their arms, and feathers in their hair, together with a long 
string of circular metallic pieces, graduated in size, and fastened to a leather strap 
attached and suspended from the back hair like a Chinese queue. The length of this is 
proportionate to an Indian's wealth and bravery, and, furthermore, indicates a sort of 
challenge. Thus adorned, they extended fraternal greetings, through the interpreter, 
to the Commissioners, Father De Smet, a Catholic priest, and others present. A gen- 
eral running talk then followed. 

" At twelve o'clock, the Council met, the Commissioners fronting a rude table, 
interpreters and reporters at the sides, and the Indians in circular form. Spotted Tail, 
Little Thunder, and White Eyes, facing Gen. Harney, Gen. Sheridan, Col. Tappan, 
and the others, formed the inner circle. Back of the chiefs were the waniors; and 
behind these, in half-moon form, a large number of women and children. Having 
filled a huge pipe with yellow willow-bark and other ingredients, the Indians passed it 
from one to the other, each taking a whiff. It was the famous pipe of peace. Ail becom- 
ing quiet. Mr. Sanborn, acting chairman of the Commission, stated the purpose of the 
present mission from Washington, and the further peaceable aims of the Government 
toward the red men of the Western plains and mountains. 

" Sanborn having closed his pleasant remarks, Spotted Tail, sitting a while in per- 
fect stoic silence, at length replied, through Leon F. Pallarday, an interpreter twenty- 
two years in the Indian country. The speech, moderate, distinct in enunciation, and 
full of gestures, showed great practical common sense and sound thought mingled with 
much native shrewdness. He said in substance, — 

'"We are glad to meet the representatives of the great father in Washington. I 
remember the talk we had together last year I have kept my word: neither my old 
warriors nor young braves have fought the white man since. I have tried to make the 
chiefs of the bands to the north understand that peace was better for all parties than 
war. I want peace ; for all of us are brothers, and the Great Spirit smiles upon us all 
in the sun and stars alike. My daughter loved the whites, and is buried among them 
at Fort Laramie. I like peace. My old men and squaws like peace the best. I have 
unstrung my bow, broken my arrow, laid aside the war-paint, and felled trees across the 
war-trail. 

" ' Your great father must be rich, or he could not build the long, fiery trail, and se-;d 
his braves so far to our council. We are poor; our pappooses' hearts cry with hunger. 
White men have killed some of our chiefs, destroyed our game, burned our timber, and 
dug our lands; and now you must give us a big heap of presents. We take the words 
you say to us in our hands; but some things you promise slip through. White men do 
not always keep their word. They cheat, and their presents are not rjood. Our fathers, 
many moons in the past, gave white men meat, buffalo-skins to keep them warm, and 
guided them through the mountain-passes toward the far-off sunset. Our hands to-day 
are warm, and our souls true to all true and peaceable pale-faced men ; but we are 
poor. You must give us blankets, arms to shoot the game, hatchets to hew poles 
for tents, and many presents ; for our squaws and pappooses are hungry, and rain comes 
from their eyes. 

"My braves are not children. They do not fear to die. They do not ask for pity or 
sympathy ; only fox justice and good feeling. Remove your soldiers from our hunting- 



INDIAN SPIRITS AND THEIR BRETHREN WEST. 177 

grounds, and peace would come to us all. I will go with you to Laramie to induce Eed 
Cloud, chief of all the war-parties, and Ogallala, to make peace, as Satanti, Black Ket- 
tle, and other chiefs have done. The old chief, Man-afraid-of-his-horses, is for peace; 
and he gave Red Cloud his daughter in marriage, early last fall, to keep the peace. I 
do not want to see the white man's blood flow, but want to live in peace with him, and 
in peace with all my brother tribes, and, dying, enter the peaceful hunting-grounds of 
my fathers. Tell your great father we were glad to see you. It made our hearts feel 
good. The Great Spirit looks down into our peace-council, and is pleased.' " 

" God has written upon every conscious heart the divine command, ' Thou shalt not 
kill.' The noble, eloquent words of the editor-in-chief of ' The Banner' should be re- 
published in every paper of the Union, — in allusion to this great question, — namely, 
that, — 

" 'We (Americans) should have learned ere this that justice to all — red, white, and 
black — is the highest statesmanship, the greatest political economy, the safest founda- 
tion of a government, the surest guaranty of peace, liberty, progress, civilization, and 
order; the grandest conception, and most sublime action (as it should be the greatest 
pride) of a free people.' 

" Sitting by the side of a staff-officer who was fixing the strap to his pistol-casing, he 
inquired of us where we joined the Commission? 

" 'At Omaha, Nebraska.' 

" ' What for an outfit have you ? ' 

" A little verdant in the army style of conversation, we replied, ' A shawl, and trunk, 
containing some clothing, books, papers, &c.' 

" ' Oh ! I meant implements of defense, such as they use out here to pick off the red- 
skins.' 

" ' I never earn,'- fire-arms, and could not be induced under any consideration to take 
the life of a human being.' 

" 'If those hostile Indians knew that, they'd have your scalp.' 

" 'Well, they could not take my spiritual scalp.' 1 

" ' What in the devil is that ? ' 

'"Why, you know the apostle Paul speaks of there being a "natural body and a 
spiritual body," clearly implying a physical and spiritual organization throughout; 
and accordingly, though the earthly head were scalped, I should still live immortal, and 
could perhaps better serve the Indian and others of the down-trodden in spirit-life 
than this.' 

" ' Then you are really a non-resistant.' 

'"In the sense of killing human beings, I certainly am, — believing that any true 
man unarmed is the most thoroughly armed; his motto being, it is better to endure 
wrong than to do wrong; better to be murdered than to murder; and better to suffer 
unhappiness than to make others unhappy.' " 

Suffice it to say, that this expedition, though beneficent in design, 
accomplishing some good, was soon followed by renewals of war, 
being instigated by the whites' depredations. After Gen. Grant was 
installed President of the United States, Mr. Peebles wrote several 
articles indorsing his policy in sending to the Indians a band of 
peaceful Quakers, under Col. Parker's superintendence ; and there is 
a lingering hope. 
12 



CHAPTER XX. 



LOVE-LIFE. 



" Sing to my soul the sweet song that thou livest I 
Read me the poem that never was penned, — 
The wonderful idyl of life that thou givest 
Fresh from thy spirit, O beautiful friend I " 

" Love was free, 
Nobly unselfish, as an angel's pure." — Bristol. 

There is a religion in which all agree, — the religion of the love of 
truth, beauty, music, goodness, purity. No theology can destroy or 
stain it. It belongs to all eras, all races, all worlds. It is the heart 
of heaven. It is as free as the sunlight ; free as the fragrance of 
flowers, the bird's song, and the angel's dream. " Now, Jesus loved 
Mary and Martha." Was not that love free and holy? 

" Whereso'er he met 
The soul of a true woman, beautiful 
In innocence, and heart devoted to 
Humanity's high interests, — and, withal, 
Upon her breast humility's pure pearl, — 
He worshiped at that shrine, as true men must 
Who meet with such a spirit." 

In all his speeches and writings, Mr. Peebles is careful to draw 
the distinction between animal desire and spiritual love. His moral 
indignation is intense when he reads or hears an argument defen- 
sive of a loose and unrestrained socialism. 

His idea is, that the functional uses of the passions are adminis- 
trative subordination under the guidance of an enlightened morality, 
to develop and spiritualize the whole being, and the propagation of 
the race obedient to the dictates of the highest wisdom, that all 
children may be welcomed and cherished as earth's angels, born 
right, and therefore living right. 

This extract from an article written for " The Progressive Age," 
1863, is a true transcript of his opinion on this subject : — 
178 



LOVE-LIFE. 179 

"In cerebellum soil are the germinal types, buds even, of lilies and oceanic 
flowers, struggling to rise from their sedimental graves into the free, fresh sunlight of 
heaven ; so are there mortals that live away down in the back-brain apartments of their 
soul-house. Let us aid such to ascend to the summits of the moral and spiritual fac- 
ulties into which angels delight to gaze ! . . . 

" Physical gratifications can never supply heart-wants. Spiritual loves, pure and holy, 
can fully feed the strong soul. . . . 

" If spirits teach ' promiscuity,' it speaks sadly for the medium, and a thousand 
times worse for the controlling influences. Such spirits must be recently from the cen- 
tral sinks of New York, or the ' Seven Dials ' of London. 

" All the brain organs and germinal forces of the soul are beautiful and divine. 
Even amativeness, disrobed of earthliness, resurrected and actualized in angelic 
life, is the synonym of love, — love pure and divine as God's; working with and inspir- 
ing the morality and spirituality of those higher faculties for all us mortals who can 
comprehend the purity and divinity of love. The fountain is infinite. It flows out spon- 
taneous from regenerated souls towards all humanity, — man, woman, child; field, flower, 
mountain, and star; free, full, and unconfined." 

His is the sentiment of " our brother" Geo. S. Burleigh : — 

" By the loves which mark us human 
We are verily divine. 
True Messiah is every true man, 
True Madonna each pure woman, 

And their home the holiest shrine." 

He is perfectly charmed with the child-like affection of the 
Shakers ; maintaining that they live the nearest to an angelic life of 
any sect in the world, everywhere advocating their cardinal princi- 
ples as respects the freedom and function of love. He has frequent- 
ly visited them in their homes to sun his soul amid their spiritual 
purities, and returns to the ' outer court,' as he calls our social life, 
like Jesus from the sweet cottage of Mary and Martha at Bethany, 
invigorated in body and mind for a loftier work. At their great 
meeting in Boston, in 1869, when their doctrines and objects were 
defined before the thinkers of that city, Mr. Peebles, by their special 
invitation, and agreeable to his deepest convictions of privileged duty, 
was present on the stand to indicate his heart-interest. His speech 
on the occasion so defensive of their system was admirable. 

We can almost feel his heart beat in ours as we read his words, 
first published in the " Religio-Philosophical Journal : " ; — 

" The apostle John said he knew that he ' had passed from death into life, because 
he loved the brethren.' This love can never degenerate into license, nor such liberty 
into anarchy; for it is a principle disrobed of passion, — a resurrection even of the 
low brain organs, on to the plane of divine purity and use. All men are my brothers; 



180 THE SPIRITUAL PILGRIM. 

all women my sisters; all children my children; and I am every mortal's child. I have 
an interest in every child born into earth-life. Its destiny is linked with mine. 

" ' One family, we dwell in Him, 
One church above, beneath; 
Though now divided by the stream, — 
The swelling stream of death.' 

" My country is the universe; my home, the world; my religion, to do good; my rest, 
wherever a human heart beats in harmony with mine : and my desire is to extend a 
brother's helping hand to earth's millions, speaking in tones as sweet as angels use; thus 
kindling in their breasts the fires of inspiration, and aiding them up the steeps of 
Mount Discipline, whose summit is bathed in the mellowed light of heaven. All the 
love that can be attracted from my inmost being belongs to the poor and the crushed; 
to you, the world, the whole universe. Some may not specially call this love out ; neither 
can lead call fire from flint. The fault, however, is in the lead. Transmute it to steel, 
and see the bright fiery effect ! It takes some conservatives a lifetime to learn the folly 
of trying to twist ropes from sand, or of coaxing ice to kiss buds into May-blooms. 
Jesuy said, ' All mine are thine, and thine are mine ; ' and during that precious Pen- 
tecostal hour, when the divine afflatus streamed from angelic abodes, not only ' many 
believed,' but they were so baptized into those unselfish influences that obtain in the 
spirit-world, that they resolved to have ' all things in common.' When these universal 
love-principles are outlived, the soil will be free to all to cultivate as is the air to 
breathe; gardens will bloom for the poor, highways be planted with fruit-trees and 
orphans find homes in all houses. Bigotry, too, will perish; superstition furl its crim- 
son flag ; prison- walls crumble to dust ; tyranny die on the plains of freedom ; and the 
cannon's mouth be wreathed with white roses, — symbols of perpetual peace. 

An alleged weakness ( ?) in the character of Mr. Peebles is his 
" giving, for ever giving," as the worldly charge runs. Never a 
beggar called at his door in vain ; never a poor soldier did he meet 
but he had something for him, if it took his last cent, and also a 
word or look of love ; never a needy man, woman, or child asked 
of him a favor, but he granted it, if in his power. Hundreds of 
dollars has he loaned to his co-workers in the Spiritual cause ; hun- 
dreds has he so lost, misfortune overtaking them ; hundreds upon 
hundreds has he given away. When his sympathy is touched, tears 
flow, and the pocket laughs with a benevolent wink, if there is any 
thing in it. Thus, thousands are endeared to him, feel under obliga- 
tion to him ; and everywhere is he blessed with earnest greetings 
and gifts. His earnings therefore, in the main, are large these days : 
but he keeps nothing, above family expenses ; all is expended upon 
the unfortunate, or the enterprises of public improvement. How 
many Spiritual speakers and mediums are indebted to him for favors ! 
Attracted by his sphere, young speakers are known to follow him 
from place to place, like the steel chained to its magnet, devel- 



LOVE-LIFE. 181 

oping them to be " chosen vessels " of truth to the famishing 
world. 

From the many testimonials we quote from a private letter of 
Cephas B. Lynn's : — 

" His kindness toward young media, more especially those struggling for usefulness 
on the rostrum, has been a marked feature in his career as a teacher of the Spiritual Phi- 
losophy. In fact, he is looked up to with the utmost reverence, and loved most tenderly, 
by scores of young lecturers in our ranks. I could name ten or twelve who acknowledge 
that Mr. Peebles has been the leading instrumentality in advancing them ki Spiritual 
graces, and inducting them into active public labors. Blessings upon him for this! I 
gladly affirm my indebtedness to him in this respect; and my prayer is, that the Spiritu- 
alists of the countiy will see the wisdom of placing funds at his command; so that 
through him young media suited for the Spiritual ministry may receive that discipline 
and culture so essential to success." 

Seemingly he sometimes errs on the side of charity. To encourage 
a beginner, or a luckless brother or sister, amid the poverties and 
perils of mediumship, — victors at last, — he has spoken words 
through the voice and pen higher sometimes than just merit would 
'sanction, — merit as viewed from the world's angle of criticism. 
Like the Nazarene, he has so often taken others' sins upon his 
shoulders ; and with his " stripes were we healed." He has always 
been sure to see the angel side of human nature, and clothed it with 
deserving garments, that the world might feel the heart of the crushed 
and fallen to be as pure and heavenly as his own. His errors are 
errors of charity ; and are they n6t virtues? In the judgment every 
day acting, how large are the credits in the life-book of his soul ! 
Listen to his testimony again : — 

"Beautiful in effect is the medium of love to the morally diseased. It works by an 
infinitude of methods, but always to redemptive ends. When fires, fagots, clanking 
chains, and gloomy penitentiaries had all failed to reform, the ' still, small voice ' 
of love and sympathy has touched the heart-strings, opened a new fountain, and re- 
deemed the most obdurate. Says a European writer, ' Love is the instrument that 
the Almighty reserved to conquer rebellious man when all the rest had failed. Reason 
he parries ; fear he answers blow for blow : but love is the sun against whose melting 
beams winter cannot stand. This soft, subduing influence wrestles down the giant: 
there is not one human being in a million, not a thousand in all earth's huge quintillion, 
whose stony heart can withstand the power of love.' This principle, wielded by Wil- 
liam Peun, tamed the Indian's soul, and tuned his heart to throb alone .in kindness; 
wielded by the benignant Howard, it made prisons in Europe schools of reform ; by the 
great-hearted Oberlin, it transformed many by-corners of pollution in the old world into 
gardens of beauty; and, by and through Elizabeth Fry, it filled the inmates in houses of 
refuge and ' asylums of outcasts ' with those higher thoughts and purer ideas, as sure 
to produce those elevating influences as are the lightnings to do their missioned work. 



182 THE SPIRITUAL PILGRIM. 

Physical force may override, and powerful nations may conquer weaker ones; but love 
as a motive power combined with wisdom can alone subdue, promoting that harmony 
so indispensable to spiritual growth. It is all the power ever employed by God, Christ, 
or angels in the divine order of subjugating; being the deepest, divinest, and mightiest 
principle in the universe." 

Wherever he goes, he is in the habit of taking little children into 
his arms, laying his hands upon their heads in blessing, as did the 
Nazarene, conscious that " of such is the kingdom of heaven ; " and 
long he holds them to his bosom to catch the glow of their innocent 
hearts, when he rises refreshed for work again, like a bird that has 
slept in a bower of sunlight to be inspired with the loves of a sweeter 
song. In Battle Creek, Detroit, New York, Philadelphia, and other 
cities, he has christened children in the name of the angels by the 
laying-on of hands, and sometimes by sprinkling pure water ; and 
such occasions are most hallowed and melting, scorned, of course, 
by the croakers, but approved by all who love the envelopment of 
spiritual spheres. 

Walking the streets of Boston with him, locked arm in arm, he 
humming a tune as we elbowed our way through the jostling crowd, 
we met a youth, just in his teens, pale, nervous, and emaciated. 
" Boy," he said, with a piercing look and a tender tone of voice, " eat 
coarse bread, drink pure water, bathe in it every night, sleep on a 
hard bed, rise early, and work temperately. Remember, boy ! for I 
love you." Going a few steps farther, we met a humbly-dressed 
woman, with her basket of fruit in her hand, passing to her market- 
stand for sales. " Well, my sister," he exclaimed, patting her gently 
on the shoulder, " now for business." She turned and met his gaze ; 
and the feeling of rebuke changed to a blushing courtesy, and, deter- 
mined not to be outdone on short acquaintance, seized him by the 
arm, and laughingly said, " Yes : come on ; I need your help, — come, 
my brother ; " and he had to tear away with a kind shout back, " I 
will risk you alone in your honorable fruit business." Walking the 
streets of St. Louis, he met a bright-eyed little girl, tripping along at 
a dancing pace, humming a tune and swinging her arms. Though a 
stranger, he stopped her, spoke a tender word, lifted her to his lips, 
pressed a sweet kiss, and bid her " Be good ; for you are an angel of 
love." The girl was so happy ! and he moved thence with a free, 
buoyant step. 

In a Portland audience, 1869, where Mr. Peebles was lecturing, 



LOVE-LIFE. 183 

sat a negro contraband, John N. Still, listening most earnestly. At 
evening, the sable brother timidly introduced himself, stating that he 
saw him in a vision three years ago as the " Horace Greeley of Spirit- 
ualism ; " that he was a school-teacher of Virginia ; was ordered 
by the Spirit to " Go North, go North ! " His spiritual experiences 
were most remarkable. After hearing them, and delivering his lec- 
ture, Mr. Peebles brought the Southerner to the stand, briefly telling 
his story for him, saying, " The Indian is my brother, the white man 
is my brother, the Negro is my brother ; " and then he appealed to 
his auditors with a pathos that probed the very fountains of their 
hearts, raising for him a generous contribution ; when Mr. Peebles 
bade him go on his way again to the South, rejoicing to " sow the 
seed of this gospel among the freed blacks." The good brother wept 
with joy, made a happy speech, and, under that light, returned to his 
task. 

Here are some of the word-seeds sown in the bosoms of true friends, 
which we have found in forgotten letters. The clergyman referred 
to below is Rev. : — 

"Philadelphia, Feb. 6, 1869. 

44 Bitter were the tears I saw him shed more than once. His education in the Eng- 
lish Church, and then as a Baptist, made him what he is. Spirits are trying now to un- 
make him, for the purpose of making him over in part ; but I believe him a truthful, 
honest, sincere man, having about him streaks of vanity and other follies. Who is per- 
fect ? If the laziest devil in hell should roll over in his brimstone bed, and ask for help, I 
should help him. The public might not approve ; but I know of no ' dear public ' not 
constituted of individuals. 

"It may be a weakness in me, but everybody must be aided, saved, by somebody; 
and then I have a deep sympathy for clergymen leaving the old shells of theology." 

Our Pilgrim has passed into that degree of love which Jesus actu- 
alized : " Whosoever shall do "the will of my Father who is in heaven, 
the same is my brother and sister and mother." Beyond the family 
circle, beyond church, sect, party, nationality, he enspheres humanity 
in his spiritual fellowship ; and yet the fountains of this oceanic love 
are to him more sacred than ever, and cherished with a deeper retro- 
spective reverence. Visiting his native home in Vermont, — that 
old framed house, that running brook, that forest and rocky height, 
where the silver cord of life first pulsed the latent music of his soul, — 
he mused and dreamed awake, and penned the poesy of his thought 
thus : — 



184 THE SPIEITUAL PILGRIM. 

" To-day I sit 'neath the paternal roof, and, in shadowy memories and quickly-shift- 
ing kaleidoscopic presentations, re-live the past, all gemmed in those earlier years with 
the dewy freshness of childhood's sunny morning. How mystic life's web ! How strange 
the voyage, freighted with flowers and thorns, smiles and tears, defeats and victories, 
making it rich in experiences ! A divinity truly ' shapes our ends,' a certain destiny 
overshadows each of us, and fate proves to be a mighty wrestler. The pathway may be 
crimsoned with bleeding feet, or baptized in tides of tears: yet beyond this mortal realm 
the star of eve shines, and the ' Queen- of Morn ' pours forth celestial harmonies, making 
' music over all the starry floor ;' and there earth's divinest ideals become the soul's 
eternal realities. . . . 

" Oh, how many pleasant associations cluster around that word mother ! Some one 
has said that ' mother, home, and heaven ' are the most beautiful words in the English 
language. I almost venerate my parents." 



CHAPTER XXI. 

ASCENSION INTO THE CELESTIAL HEAVENS. 

" I think of that city ; for oh ! how oft 

My heart has been wrung at parting 
"With friends all pale, who with footfalls soft 

To its airy heights were starting I 
I see them again in their raiment white 

In the blue, blue distance dwelling; 
And I hear their praises in calm delight 

Come down, on the breezes swelling, 
As I dream of the city I have not seen, 

Where the feet of mortals have never been." — Emma Tottle. 

If a plant or dew-drop is dusted and quickened by a sunbeam, it 
has virtually been to the sun. What matters it whether we have 
spiritual experiences through our own organism, or that of another 
through whom we derive a greater fullness of angelic truth? Spher- 
ally the medium we love is ourself conjoined with spirits. Where 
every interest is mutual, and magnetic touch responsive, our me- 
dium is the telescope through which we look at heavenly worlds. 

Dr. Dunn the medium, Mr. Peebles the spiritual astronomer : these 
brothers attended vast conventions of angels and archangels, heard 
discussions upon the best methods of mediumistic control, ate by im- 
bibation of the fruit that grows in those upper paradises till nourished 
in the substantial vitalities of spirit-life. Always the pre-requisite 
for these interviews was temperance, fasting, purity of habit. At 
one time Aaron Nite informed them of his home, " Pear-Grove 
Cottage," in the spirit-world ; and Mr. Peebles expressed an earnest 
wish for the medium to visit it. 

" Comply, then, with conditions," replied Aaron : " temperance in 
all things, fasting, and purity ; read inspired poetry ; attune your 
affections to the music of angel spheres." 

In due time, obeying the request, the medium visited that heavenly 
residence, whose first forms of beauty were budded in the scenes of 

185 



186 THE SPIRITUAL PILGRIM. 

Yorkshire, Eng., and described it so accurately and charmingly, 
Mr. Peebles exclaimed, " Plant me a tree in Aaron's garden : let 
it grow large and broad ; for I shall sit with him under its shadow 
some sweet noonday of that happy world ! " 

Not long after this visit, the medium was deeply entranced, the 
body seemingly dead, pulseless. A momentary blank, and he found 
himself standing beside his body, — a very spirit clothed in shining 
garments, — when his guide, appearing, said, "Now you will ac- 
company us." They went south-east, toward the tropical lands of 
morning ; spiritually, the love-life of truth : and at length reached a 
real world of busy populations, and, in their rapid journey, caught 
glimpses of lakes of the most enchanted beauty, forests teeming with 
fruits, gardens in bloom, mountains encircled with prismatic clouds, 
that dropped down fragrant showers upon the prolific valleys, and 
crystal rivers, roseate with flowers and redolent with the music of 
birds ; the inhabitants industrious, beautiful, and happy ; a conscious 
harmony of ambition actuating every one to make those homes most 
beautiful and sunny. Charmed and electrified with such atmospheres 
and scenes, he arrived safe and invigorated at the residence of Aaron 
Nite, where he was required to change his garments for something 
more ethereal. Properly vestured, they ascended, piercing those at- 
mospheres and terraces of light, till in the distance they discerned a 
brilliantly white sphere, that opened at length, when there stood be- 
fore them two men and two women, clothed in purple robes, their 
countenances radiant with serenity of soul, and bearing in their hands 
flower wreaths of varied form, hue, and fragance. 

" I will go with these four spirits," said the guide, " while the rest 
of our circle will have to return." 

Separating, the medium queried why that was necessary. The 
question in thought was immediately answered by the spirits in 
accord, the voice of one being the opinion of all : — 

" Because their spiritual bodies are not sufficiently ethereal. The 
laws of instincts are moral gravitations here : we can go only where 
minds are one in affection. There is a truth in the parable with 
which our friend and fellow-pilgrim is familiar. The one who had 
not on the wedding-garment, being on a lower plane, could not 
remain. They must first evolve from holier affection this higher 
sphere, ere they can find this rest. You, dear brother, could not ad- 
vance one step with us, did we not weave around you our aura, — the 



ASCENSION INTO THE CELESTIAL HEAVENS. 187 

vestment of angel-love. Guard well thy mediumship, if thou wouldst 
behold the glories to come ! " 

Taking the medium's hand, they approached a forest of surpassing 
loveliness, bordering which was a fountain, its banks adorned with 
sensitive flowers ; for they reverently bowed as the spirits passed. 
Reaching the fountain, they found it three-graded, dashing a rain- 
bowed spray, having colors no earthly art can picture, or sunbeams 
paint in the cloud. In this the medium was baptized ; and a sister 
spirit gave him a nectar to drink. The spray of this " Fountain of 
Purity," as it was called, inspirited him with a hallowed feeling. 

" Be calm now," said the guide, " for we are approaching the 
sphere celestial of that immortal teacher for whom we have the 
most profound reverence." 

Journeying onward amid new scenes, philosophizing by the way, 
the band paused, saying, — 

" We can go no farther : other guides must now take you in 
charge." 

Six spirits appeared, led by " Queen of Morn," all clothed in 
white, having golden girdles clasping their robes, and ennowering 
wreaths on their foreheads, with beauty of form and expression 
known only in immortal lands. Throwing a soft electric light around 
the medium, and giving him a " white vesture" like their own, they 
passed to an imposing mansion, arch on arch, glowing with splendor 
aflash with living mottoes. Dome above dome, circle encircling 
circle, — east, west, north, south, — all lit up with glory. High 
above the rest was a tower, consecrated to the fine arts. A door 
opening, they entered, and were greeted by a teacher of music, who 
said she had sung often to her "Pilgrim Brother." Here were 
musical instruments of strange construction, giving melodies such 
as angels only can execute ; and sculpture and painting by artists 
long since departed from our world. Ascending a spiral stairway, 
they entered a department consecrated to science, poetry, and wis- 
dom, where venerable sages were conversing with their pupils in the 
most soul-fraught enthusiasm. After inspecting all these attractions, 
the guide beckoned him to follow, and led him up spirally to a lofty 
dome, adorned with paintings and statues of ancient seers and 
sages ; among which were those of the Nazarene, with a burning star 
over his forehead, and of the apostles, occupying niches in fine 
view, each having a sentiment circling overhead significant of his 
mission. Translated, they read thus, — 



188 THE SPIRITUAL PILGRIM. 

Simon Peter, — " Wisdom to be sought of God" 

Andrew, — " Christ the Corner- Stone." 

James, — " Let thy Prayers be unto all Men." 

John, — " Charity is the rule of God's Judgment." 

Philip, — " The Truth giveth Freedom to the Soul." 

Bartholomew, — " Righteousness is the Glory of All" 

Thomas, — "Knowledge expels all Doubt" 

James, Son of Alpheus, — ■ u The Truth that dwelleth in us shall be 

in us for ever." 
Matthew, — " God's Mercy is over All, and to All." 
Thaddeus, — " The good Shepherd is alike mindful of all his Flock." 
Simon, — " The Tree that hath no Boot shall wither away." 
Judas, — " Fulfillment of the Law." 

Here also was a rich library of ancient dialects, religious and phil- 
osophic. Many of the books were set in circular, movable cases, 
easy of access, by simply whirling the library round in search of the 
books sought. Near one of these, at a table, sat the celestial guide, — 
the loving disciple who leaned on Jesus' bosom, clothed in a white robe, 
glittering like burnished silver. His look was grandeur itself ; calm 
in gravity, the same love-nature, swayed more by wisdom, that 
seemed as a light and glow of a heavenly sun. Though easy in 
manner as a child, persuasive and musical in tone of voice, there 
was an apparent, graceful reserve, inspiring reverence, that prevented 
any hasty approach. He recognized the medium and his relation 
with our pilgrim, and held a most happy conversation with his guide, 
respecting the wisest methods of spirit-control. This mansion, or 
temple, seemed to be a great central battery for spirits and mortals. 
The medium's guide had served in the capacity of a spirit psychologist 
for many years ; and to him the spirits there assembled appealed as 
to an oracle for conclusive measures. Their earnestness upon the 
subject of mediumship was most serious and fervent, knowing as 
they did that it is pregnant with the most sacred hopes of all worlds. 
" What can be done to avert so many abuses ? what to institute better 
conditions? what to inaugurate more spiritual and fraternal govern- 
ments on earth?" were among the practical questions for solution. 
During the conversation of John with this guide about this all- 
absorbing theme, allusion was made to our Pilgrim, as well as to 
others, stating that his organic sphere is receptive of influence from 



ASCENSION INTO THE CELESTIAL HEAVENS. 189 

that temple ; that " John and James blend in affection : " and he would 
impress his brother of earth not so direct, but mainly through the 
mediumship of associated spirits, projecting upon his brain a loving 
thought, whenever the social conditions demand, the better to reach 
souls that " hunger and thirst after righteousness." Then, as if his 
words were direct, this beloved spirit said in language so oft-repeated, 
so lute-like in sweetness, to our pilgrim, — 

" All these shall be thine, child, when thou art worthy. To him that 
overcometh is the promise of the blessed inheritance." 

" O hearts of love! O souls that turn, 
Like sun-flowers, to the pure and best 1 
To you the truth is manifest; 
For they the mind of Christ discern 
Who lean like John upon his breast ! 

" What doth that holy guide require ? 
No rite of pain, nor gift of blood, 
But man a kindly brotherhood, 
Looking where duty is desire, — 
To Christ, the beautiful and good." 



CHAPTER XXII. 

" BLESSED ARE THE PURE IN HEART." 

" The tears of the compassionate are sweeter than dewdrops falling from roses on the 
"bosom of earth." — Brahminie. 

" God hath been gradually forming man 
In his own image since the world began ; 
And is for ever working on the soul, 
Like sculptor his statue, till the whole 
Expression of the upward life be wrought 
Into some semblance of the eternal thought." — Gerald Massey. 

The confidence of men and women in our brother is most beautiful. 
Never did a child come closer to a maternal bosom than a troubled 
brother or sister to his heart. Eternal secrets contain sometimes 
the holiest morals : they always indicate the under-currents of love. 
We do wrong to hide the rarest pearls. Let the world see how good 
is man's or womau's heart, when guided by an angel's wisdom. Oh, 
how divine it is to trust the divine of human nature ! 

The case is one of unhappy marriage in : the man warm- 
hearted, the woman antipodal ; both in a domestic hell. He loved 
another, — loved a maiden who reciprocated the heart's call in sacred 
trust. Unschooled in the philosophy of magnetic spheres, confiding 
as a nestling-bird, whatever the spirits said was to her law and gos- 
pel. When alone by themselves, he was unconsciously entranced by 
a positive spirit, who, " for the sake of health," as runs the subtile 
plea, suggested an utter disregard of the legal tie that imprisoned the 
unhappy husband and wife. It was temptation. Rallying her moral 
courage, she waved the allurement as woman only can. The thought 
would have been as disdainful, it is said, to him in his normal state 
as to her ; but the entrancement was repeated at other opportunities, 
and the tempter was there with persuasive voice. 

Again and again she parried the dart, tipped with a grain of sor- 

190 



"BLESSED ARE THE PURE IN HEART.'' 191 

row. Love holding her, she faltered, wept, prayed, but kept her vir- 
tue. Her secret love had been whispered to Mr. Peebles, whom she 
chose as her spiritual guardian. In her trouble, she wrote him ; told 
him all ; asked advice ; declaring with tender words that she was 
sinking, — sinking in spirit, death seeming inevitable under such 
pressure, if she did not yield. This letter, shown us when fresh with 
the pulsing aura of the hand that wrote it, was touching, sweet, plead- 
ing, heroic as a halting child that loves the flowers where the sting- 
ing bees are culling honey. Mr. Peebles's reply was, " Resist ; die 
first in the struggle rather than plunge into an entanglement of even 
the legal claim of an unloving wife." He portrayed the social perils, 
the need of reverence to self-denial, the glory of martyrdom, such as 
angels love to witness, the divinity of such a death rather than the 
ignominy of such a life. " Weave not," he said, " your chords of 
holy love into the meshes of a domestic quarrel ; wait until God and 
man shall sunder the false, and your triumph of heroism will give 
you, oh, such a rest of soul, approved by high heaven ! " This coun- 
sel was what she anticipated. She rose from negation, feeling new 
tides of life-force through her whole being ; her gratitude was inex- 
pressible ; her spirit, now buoyant, infused health into the deadened 
channels ; and angels wrought to consummate a legal union on a 
plane where they meet, — in the purity of spiritual affection. 

Read this heart-pleading letter and its answer. We weep over 
them. How the human heart can bleed, and yet live ! How woman 
can suffer, and yet hope and love ! When will men be watchful, en- 
zoned in moral integrity ? When shall we learn the perils of obses- 
sing spheres? Oh, the soul-accounts to balance by and by! The 
sister who writes this is a beautiful medium, faithful and true, who 
has treasures in the spirit-world. Let all such, — so many such ! — 
wrestle with the weeping angels : — 

" Dear Brother Peebles, — I write to you for aid, sympathy, and influence. My 
husband has become so infatuated with a young lady, that he says he does not love me, 
and that he will never live with me again. This is a terrible blow. I love him as dear 
as I ever did, yet I can have no control over him. I think he is either obsessed, or de- 
ranged. He has left me perfectly destitute; no home. I am now a dependent upon my 
friends, which, you know, is very humiliating to me. And now, dear brother. I want 
you to help me establish my home again, happy as it has been. It can, I feel; it must be 
done. He must not bring this reproach on Spiritualism, and a curse like this on his 
family. See him, and turn him right. For God's sake, help me ! As I look at our four 
helpless little ones, it almost crazes me to know that I am left alone to protect and care 
for them. Dear brother, let me hear from you soon. I feel you can and will help me, 



192 THE SPIRITUAL PILGRIM. 

and save him. I feel that the good and true spirits will, and are trying to aid and help 
me. I will not despair, though all seems of inky darkness, and the gulf impassable ; yet 
I hope. Please let me hear from you at once ; for my heart is almost broken. 

" Your sister in trouble, . . ." 

" Cleveland, 0., Jan. 6, 1871. 

"Mrs. . Dear Friend, — Your communication of lies before me, inciting 

sadness of spirit. It is only one among many of a similar character reaching me each 
year. This social problem is to me a continual puzzle ; and, while I mean to be charita- 
ble, I must be just. How your husband, possessing the instinct common to humanity, 
could thus leave you destitute ; how he could leave those four little children, whom he 
had been instrumental in bringing into the world, leave them to look up with tearful 
eyes and call in vain for a father, a father to love and counsel, savors of a reckless inhu- 
manity, bordering upon mental insanity. It is not the work, my sister, of Spiritualism, 
but rather of demonism, — a psychological infatuation thrown around him by the serpen- 
tine charms of that ' young woman.' Is he dead to common justice, dead to duty, dead 
to those holy and paternal relations that should unite father and child V He will awake 
some day, in this moral maelstrom, to feel those bitter, biting, galling regrets, — to feel 
that anguish that no painter can put on canvas, so sure as God is, so sure as there is 
compensation. He would evidently say to me, in pursuing this course, 'I am seeking 
happiness.' So does the slimy serpent, when leaving his frosty den to catch the first 
sunbeams of spring. Happiness based in selfishness can not succeed ; neither can the 
pi-iceless boon be obtained at the expense of a wife's happiness, and injustice done to 
four little children. Every child born on this earth has the right to demand honorable 
recognition, care, and counsel from the father as well as the mother ; has the right to be 
loved by both parents ; and the right to a sound, practical education. . . . Gladly would 

I assist you, were it in my power ; but I do not know where Mr. is, nor have I 

the means of finding him. Could I lay my hand upon his shoulder, and plead for those 
children, — those olive-branches, that need to grow up under the sunshine of home and 
sweet home influences, — perhaps I might induce him to return, prodigal-like, to his 
family. Does he not know there is such a principle as self-sacrifice ? that it is noble to 
forget self for others' good? Rest assured that you have my sympathy, and may com- 
mand my services in any possible way that will bring about reconciliation, and help 
secure the good of all concerned. . . . Most truly thine, 

"J. M. Peebles." 

Is there not a homeopathy in the spiritual science? What 
but this shall cure our magnetic gluttonies with which we are sur- 
feited ? This getting drunk on the spheres of spirits ! Promiscuous 
magnetism are the hells of mediumship, — inductive to sensual pollu- 
tion ! The sun is coldest when nearest in winter. The fleshly con- 
tact may be the farthest from heaven. The most potent healing is 
when the mediumized hand touches not the person. Physical near- 
ness may be spiritual distance. Haud to hand may be earthly ; soul 
to soul is heavenly. The sensuous will jeer at this : let them ! The 
hand is magnetically charged with the voiceless language of the heart ! 
By thy hand thou shalt be known ; by its touch thy secret shall be 
revealed. The kiss of the sensuous lip gives coloring to character. 



"BLESSED ARE THE PURE IN HEAET. 193 

The sacramental wine of fashionable Christians, touched by their 
dainty fingers, effervesces with pride of caste, and every participant is 
tainted with vanity : it is indeed the blood of idols. Beware of a 
magnetic satiety : it is a spiritual fever ! 

In a valuable article published in " The American Spiritualist," 
making distinction between mere " Spiritists and Spiritualists" Mr. 
Peebles says, — 

"If in any way given to constructive thought, they [Spiritists] place the base of the 
pyramid in the air, and then seek to adjust the physical forces and relational magnetisms 
to the neglect of those divine principles that take hold upon heaven and eternal life. 
They insist that their bodies are their own, and they have a right to use them as they 
will. Another way this of asserting the right of ' passional promiscuity.' The slavering, 
staggering drunkard admires the argument. 'Have I not a right,' he indignantly ex- 
claims, ' a right to use my body as I choose ? to put any thing into it I please ? ' and 
down goes the poisoned dram of liquor ! To state is to refute such a monstrous position. 

. . . " Through suffering, discipline, and painful experiences, these social errorists 
will learn that liberty is not license ; that love is not lust ; that psychological influence is 
not spiritual attraction; and. that gratification is not happiness, nor the right way to ob- 
tain it, in any realm of existence where intelligences exist as moral beings. To ' him 
that evercometh ' is the paradise of purity promised. Oar angels teach us that sensual- 
ists, stung with mental suffering, people lowest conditions in the tartarean spheres of the 
after life. It is not much — it is not all — to be a mere Spiritist. Multitudes of wild 
Indians are Spiritists; millions of Chinamen have been Spiritists from remotest antiquity; 
the polygamy-practicing dervishes in Mohammedan countries are Spiritists, and their 
tests are absolutely astounding. Some Mormons are excellent clairvoyants Spiritists. 
But clairvoyance, tests, facts, phenomena, all combined, have not made them philoso- 
phers, — have not saved them. Alone, they will never educate nor spiritually redeem 
humanity. ... 

" On the natural plane, considered from the Adamic side of life, it is well and wise to 
' multiply and replenish the earth ; ' and every child thus born has the right to demand an 
honorable recognition from the father as well as the mother, — has the right to be loved 
and cared for by both parents, and the right to a sound, practical education. Finally, 
these selfish, credulous, pompous, exquisite, faint-hearted, shiftless, sensuous, flirting 
Spiritists, generally quite content with the alphabet of disorderly phenomena, need the 
quickening influences of the Divine Spirit, need religious conviction and moral culture, 
need conversion to, and baptism into, the heavenly principles of Spiritualism. . . . 

" Genuine Spiritualists, — there are multitudes of these. They already constitute a 
vast army. Bearing upon their foreheads God's seal of manhood and womanhood, they 
daily walk the Mount of Beatitude, and commune with the transfigured who glide along 
the love-lands of heaven. Having trust in God, faith in the possibilities of humanity, and 
a blessed knowledge of immortality, through the present ministry of spirits, they are a 
moral power in the world. They live to-day as though conscious of being already in 
eternity. They are above the commission of unworthy acts. Seeking neither praise 
nor fulsome flattery, they are practical reformers, doing good for goodness' sake. Can- 
did and sincere, they take no selfish advantage of others' weaknesses. Broad and catho- 
lic, they can work with Unitarians, Free Religionists, Liberalists, all true workers. In 
method they are more constructive than destructive. Relating to books, Bibles, and 
spiritual teachings, they exercise their own judgment. Administering reproof in gentle- 
13 



194 THE SPIRITUAL PILGRIM. 

ness, slow to believe ill of others, they forgive as they would be forgiven. Accepting 
Spiritualism as expressing the outflowing love of God, the brotherhood of man, the 
divine principle of holiness, the indwelling Christ of love and wisdom, the Comforter 
promised in the New Testament, the divine guest crowned with immortality, — genu- 
ine Spiritualists, in this and all lands, strive to live pure, practical lives, that others 
may see their good works, and thus be induced to accept the truth of heaven." 

" Touch me not with profane fingers," says the delicate rose, forti- 
fied among thorns. " Touch me. not ; for I am not yet risen to my 
Father," said Jesus to Mary. Retard not the spiritualizing work. 
" Let thine eye be single " is Mr. Peebles's motto now. His prayer is, 
" Give me a sunny room, pure air, pure water, orderly associa- 
tions, flowers, a clean forest or glen, a G-ethsemane under the palms 
for meditation, a mountain for transfiguration, an angel's breath 
soothing my fevered brain to sleep, and my loved angel waiting 
there, silently distilling dewy dreams of an ' Eden Home.' " 

We have a lady friend in Greenbush, Wis., whose mother, pure 
and tender as a seraph angel, made her house-plants her pets to love. 
Watering with care, touching them often, and speaking child-like 
names, they grew thrifty and beautiful. When she sickened, the 
plants, though cared for with equal attention by her daughter, also 
wilted ; and when she physically died, they too died, — no art could 
save them. Did she not take their souls with her? So our brother 
would do : be so spiritual, so close now to the souls of flowers, 
birds, children, men, women, angels, that, when emancipation comes, 
he may still be wedded to their souls, to make his heaven. 

In his earlier years of mediumistic growth, Mr. Peebles requested 
to be entranced, that he might see and hear for himself, and so be 
more efficient in the work of the spiritual ministry ; but his guides 
have demonstrated, that, with his refined organism, it would unfit 
him, though it might not others, for earthly use, and that the highest 
spirituality is, when every faculty is celestially polarized, leaving the 
mind in outward consciousness, too, for the attainment of fullness, 
wholeness, perfectness. He has sometimes been oblivious to this 
wise injunction of his band, more particularly in the presence of 
clairvoyants. 

At a meeting in Fond du Lac, Wis., immediately following the 
" Wilson and Haddock Discussion," when the former gave public 
tests of spirit-presence, Mr. Peebles was completely enveloped in 
the magnetism of the dominant sphere, neutralizing that of his 
attendant angel, when some other materialistic spirit partially psy- 



"BLESSED AEE THE PUEE IN HEART." 195 

chologized his brain. On the way from the meeting, he demanded 
of his spirits to entrance him, that he might the better convince the 
doubting world, seeking the light of this gospel. We argued against 
him. Instantly a ray shot through the obsessing sphere, and scat- 
tered it as the outburst of a sun from the cloud ; and he reeled under 
it, like Saul on his way to Damascus, when " there shined round 
about him a light from heaven." Powhattan then bathed him in the 
rosy influence of sympathy ; when he drooped his head, and wept, 
holding us by the hand tremblingly, and praying under the silent 
stars to be forgiven his mistrust of divine wisdom. That night, in 
a company consisting, besides us two, of Raymond Tallmage and 
wife, Mrs. Julia T. Ruggles (daughter of Gov. Tallmage), and Mrs. 
Barrett, Mr. Peebles was strangely influenced by an Indian, then 
by " Queen of Morn ; " when he laid hands of benediction upon all 
present, whispering a prayer, till hearts melted into tears, and tears 
were windows of soul to see the angels. Never was reward for 
faith in love so beautifully and divinely illustrated. 

Mr. Peebles encourages spiritual circles for the " manifestations," 
as a basis of mediumistic development ; inspires the mediums to 
perseverance, and the people to protect them in their benefi- 
cent ministry of love from the angels, but demands order, sincerity, 
charity. Truth is sacred ; and credit is due to all its revealers, of 
every age and race and calling. This position of his is ennobling. 
Divine is character, when its soul gives justice where it is due, — to 
books, mediums, governments, and religions. 

Lecturing in , he was importuned several times to sit in a 

promiscuous circle that was really repulsive to him. Knowing his 
own sensitiveness, he politely declined. " No," said his friends, 
" you help the circle so much : you are too particular, too proud." 
Yielding, just to accommodate them, he became entangled in a mag- 
netic web. It was earthly, painful, darkening. Unable to resist it 
there, and realizing his moral peril, he seized his hat, rushed from 
the room, and ran at night two miles through the city ; where, reach- 
ing a lonely spot by a great rock, he kneeled down and prayed and 
wept like a child, speaking the language of Jesus in his temptation, 
" Get thee hence, obsessing spirit ! " Then fell that gentle wave 
of light from his band, breaking the spell ; and with a whisper a 
voice said, " Brother, the lesson is well : be wiser ; keep pure the 
white vesture with which thou art robed." 



196 THE SPIEITUAL PILGEIM. 

Natural to his refined ideal, Mr. Peebles recommends that a con- 
gregation assembled for spiritual communion be arranged in the 
order of a spiritual circle, alternately negative with positive, the 
more mediumistic in front, as on the armature. He wants the hall 
a sanctuary, consecrated as a " holy of holies," and used for no other 
purpose ; for a variety of uses is incipient to obsession. Like the 
temple of the soul, it must be single to holiness, orderly, architec- 
turally beautiful, airy ; no somber shading, after the Episcopal style, 
but full of light and the fragrance of flowers. Boxes, pulpits, and desks 
intercept the magnetic circulation. " Away with them, and give me 
a broad, free platform." He earnestly advocates settling educated 
and trustworthy speakers in yearly engagements. He is in favor of 
alternate readings between speaker and people, with the interbleudings 
of congregational singing, harmonizing into oneness of spirit. This 
method he has tried with brilliant success. Only one speaker on the 
platform at a time is his demand. Forehead to forehead is the line 
of inspiration. He would have the exercises simple and impressive, 
lifting the soul to diviner purposes. He cares nothing now about 
proselyting : is more constructive than destructive. How shall we 
convert the world? By living example ! " We have enough believ- 
ers," he says, U three millions genuine. Is the world the better for 
it? That's the question ! " Risen above the chronic egotism and self- 
inflation of mere sensation, to attract idle curiosity, he calmly waits 
his hour of heavenly illumination, and does his duty, and enjoys his 
privilege, scattering truth-seed, criticising severely, and lovingly 

replenishing. Making an effort in to engage there a month's 

labor for one of our worthy young speakers, he was refused, on the 
ground that it would not command " big houses." This species of 
spiritual hydrophobia, poisoning so many city societies, every sensible 
Spiritualist deplores. Alluding to this matter in a private letter, he 
writes, — 

" The saying, ' Draw,' provokes me. Dancing jacks and fighting 
dogs often draw crowds." 

In moments of trial, when all seems to go wrong, our brother 
writes to a confiding brother, showing his child-like trust in the 
higher life : "I am sick in heart, sick in soul, sick of the world, 
sick of grasping Spiritualists, but not sick of God, heaven, angels, 
Spiritualism, or you." This said and felt, he rises as an oak that 
has taken deeper root, indorsing the poet : — 



"BLESSED ARE THE PCTRE IN HEART." 197 

" In the tempest of life, -when the wave and the gale 
Are around and ahove, if thy footing should fail, 
If thine eye should grow dim, and thy caution depart, 
Look aloft, and he firm and be fearless of heart." 

It injures a magnet to let it lie beside pieces of iron and steel. It 
should be suspended alone, with armature on. Understanding this 
law, Mr. Peebles, these days, guards against introductions, just be- 
fore speaking, as far as it is possible with the rules of courtesy. From 
some ante-room, where he sits silent to catch the inspiring force, he 
prefers to pass direct to the rostrum, so that the angel-sphere, in- 
flamed by the sympathy of the audience, may envelop him ; for the 
touch of an angular hand may depolarize the influence. Owing 
largely to this habit, Emma Hardinge holds so perfect sway over her 
hearers, lifting them up by the power of heavenly truth. If a speaker 
is submerged in the combined spheres of a mixed audience, no higher 
thought is uttered than what floats through the general mind ; there- 
fore little or no good is done except to equipoise the magnetism. 
The speaker on the rostrum should be spiritually insulated, handing 
down the truth from the ministering angels. When such worship is 
closed, and the hearts of the people are warmed in love of a purer 
life, he greets them most cordially, adopting the Quaker style of shak- 
ing hands with everybody, imparting in that friendly grasp the vir- 
tue which the spirit imparted to him. Truthfully said the Nazarene, 
adverting to this law, " And the glory which Thou hast given me I 
have given them, that they may be one, even as Thou and I are one." 

As an instance illustrative of his strict fidelity to order, may be 
mentioned his experience at Sturgis, when dedicating the " Spiritual 
Church," some of the brick of which he carried in his own arms. 
When the vast congregation was seated, he noticed just in front of 
him a woman of gross sphere, dark to him as a " case of obses- 
sion." The occasion demanded his best efforts. The woman was a 
sister, whom he would not offend for his right hand. What should 
he do ? To rouse undue will-force might be combative ; there was 
danger of a failure. Mustering moral courage, he sent a request for 
her to vacate the seat, to be supplied by another, better adapted to a 
spiritual circle. The woman, understanding the law, gave heed with 
a commendable grace, which touched his sympathy and brought her 
immediately into the sphere of inspiration, when the house became a 
Pentecost, the Spirit hovering on the people as with " tongues of 
fire." 



CHAPTER XXIII. 

" QUEEN OF MORN." A VISION. 

" Heaven rests on those two heaving hills of snow." 

" And like a lily on the river floating, 
She floats upon the river of his thoughts." 

" By the night visions," " In a deep, sleep," " I was in the Spirit 
on the Lord's Day," " And his face did shine as the sun, and his rai- 
ment was white as snow ! " What meaneth all this ? The angel 
knoweth, not philosophy ; and the angel, without our volition, hath 
ushered us within the pavilion of the Spirit to see and hear. Have 
we not touched the spheres of heaven ? By some prophet-guardian, 
we have seen " signs in the stars," writings upon scrolls, celestial 
scenery, and angel forms arrayed in the beauty-light of immortality ; 
have heard the mystic voices, and the music of seraph choirs ; have 
had the perception of principles, and felt the deep impression of soul 
in the silence of spirit-thought, too holy for utterance. With Paul, 
we sometimes think the words heard " are not lawful to utter." God 
help us if we sin the sin of presumption. 

Under such guidance, we have seen that nuptials in heaven are 
keyed to qualification. " When thou art worthy," is the invariable 
rule of the " Beloved John ; " " They that are accounted worthy to 
obtain that world " is the moral lesson of Jesus. In spirit-life hearts 
are to be earned at a great price. Some dear angel looks down into 
our soul, and loves there divinely, and then weighs our soul in the 
scale of justice, poised on the pivot of harmony. Is it faithful? is it 
pure ? is it the echo-voice of sacrificing love ? Ah ! what a sin to weep 
over, if we are jealous because a sainted angel loves that soul more 
than we do ! Who have the strongest claims? They who love us the 
most morally, the most wisely, the most tenderly, the most sacredly, 
the most spiritually. So the hearts we would hold in our bosoms must 
198 



QUEEN OF MORN.— A VISION. 199 

be preserved with eternal vigilance. To win victory is to love with an 
ever watchful self-denial. What a momentous truth ! what a solemn 
warning in our reckless, guilt-impassioned world ! What saith the 
angel by our side ? — 

" There are exiled hearts, disappointed hearts, bleeding hearts, 
bruised and riven hearts, forgiving hearts that have secrets, — hearts 
so mournful, so spiritual, that when we hither come to see their puri- 
ty, behold, it is to witness a crucifixion more pitiful than that of 
Calvary, — hearts never mated in your world, but kept in reserve till 
the bride or bridegroom cometh from the house of many mansions to 
meet the emancipated prisoner of earth, — hearts that are doves going 
forth from the ark with olive-branches to humanity, whose very oil 
of love is pressed out by suffering for others' good, blessing every- 
body else, but ever pleading to see face to face, and hold hand within 
hand, whom Divine Wisdom has anointed for ' nuptials in heaven.' 
Under the dissolving crimson of life's setting sun, it is indeed a privi- 
lege to be friendly to such hearts, to touch them down to the springs, 
and be silent. Here is a " Paradise Lost," whose melancholy solitude 
is pleasure ; for the tears that fall there are dews, and forth from 
their refreshing will unfold an Eden in which the betrothed Eve shall 
walk to greet her beloved 'neath the Tree of Life." 

Whilst in Washington, Mr. Peebles one day called upon his es- 
teemed friend, H. Clay Preuss, who, in spiritual entrancement, impro- 
vised a beautiful poem, entitled " Isle of the Blest," soon after pub- 
lished in " The Banner of Light," and set to music in " The 
Spiritual Harp." The psychometric connoisseur will recognize here 
the corroboration of our vision : — 

" I see an isle, like woman's smile, 
That blooms on a silver sea ; 
And from its groves of angel-loves 
Swells music wild and free. 

" Prefigured here, in marriage sphere, 
We catch faint gleams of bliss, — 
Of the sweet control of soul o'er soul, 
When sealed by God's own kiss." 

No one, not even Mr. Peebles himself, ever unveiled to us the 
secret hidden in his interesting editorial in " The Banner of Light," 
entitled, " The Two Star-Sisters of France." It is another witness 
of the truth of our vision. He outlines the life-history of Ernest 



203 THE SPIRITUAL PILGEIM. 

Kenan and his sister Henrietta, and Louis XVI. and his sister 
u Madame Elizabeth" Henriette accompanied Ernest and his wife 
on his scientific mission into ancient Phoenicia, where brother and 
sister were both seized with a malignant fever. 

" They were two souls warm with harmonious thought, and hearts beating as one. 
She went with him on to the loftiest pinnacles of Lebanon's mountains, and across the 
desert sands that line the Jordan, exchanging ideas with him, and living his very life. 

" A French writer says, ' Notwithstanding her delicate health, she traveled to average 
eight leagues a day, being both a sort of private secretary who divined her brother's 
thoughts, and a sister of charity who watched with angelic tenderness over a precious 
existence, which she justly considered as the effulgent glory of her family and her 
name.' Though these long, tiresome journeys greatly fatigued her, she continued to 
assist her brother in writing ' The Life of Jesus,' till she felt the approaches of malig- 
nant fever. The symptoms grew worse; she was dangerous: yet her courage, for a 
brother's sake, seemed to defy the death-angel's touch. Ernest, hastening from ' Le 
Caton ' with the surgeon, fell dangerously ill with the same fever. There they lay, 
brother and sister, sick and alone in a foreign land, the brother summoning all his 
energies to minister to his sister ; the sister hiding her agony, concealing her sufferings, 
and struggling against the fever that was burning to her being's core, to watch by her 
brother's sick pillow. They fought death together, fought for each other, fought till 
they became unconscious. The sister awoke in heaven. Owing to Renan's robust 
constitution he survived; and, coming to consciousness, his first incoherent words were, 
'Where's my sister?' The tearful eye of the surgeon told the story! Here my pen 
may drop. A recent writer of France says, k Hunting in a friend's library, I came upon 
a pamphlet whose every line drew a tear. I know nothing more touching, sadder, or 
more beautiful, than the master-piece of a great thinker who bids a last farewell to a 
noble soul,' — that a sister ! ' " 

In telling this touching story, Mr. Peebles evidently intends to 
compare himself in thought to Renan, traveling in quest of truth, — 
his sister, his angel-guide, who passed on before him, long before 
him, but, returning found his heart beating with her own the same 
musical concord ; and u lo ! she is by his side, traveling with him to 
the land of Adonis, Dear the holy Byblus and the sacred waters 
where the women of the ancient mysteries came to mingle their 
tears, to rest in the bosom of God." 

The second star of France is Madame Elizabeth, " Queen of 
Morn," the harbinger of Mr. Peebles's pilgrimage over this strange 
world of ours. 

" The Queen of Morn," and " The Spiritual Pilgrim ! " this rela- 
tion is the enchantment of the life he lives, this the soul of expe- 
riences, that threads life's silver chords round the world whither he 
goes, this the " Chain of Pearls " that blossoms ever upon his bosom 
to make his pilgrimage beautiful and fragrant with a love that 



QUEEN OF MOKN.— A VISION. 201 

descends dove-like from heaven. We must let him tell the story of 
Madame Elizabeth, as gleaned from the history he found in that 
antiquarian library in Boston : — 

" Just prior to the stormy days of the Revolution, there arose in the French firmament 
another star, shedding a silvery radiance over the royal family and the entire kingdom 
of France. We refer to the princess, Madame Elizabeth Marie Hellene Capet, sister of 
Louis Capet, the noblest of the Bourbon line, and known in history as Louis the XVI., 
the martyr-king. Louis ascended the throne loving his people with a fatherly tender- 
ness. His warm heart throbbing for the best welfare of France, he inaugurated a system 
of reforms that resulted in his dethronement and death. So popular was he with the 
poorer classes and the more benevolent of those in the higher walks of life, that a num- 
ber of the most eminent jurists and advocates in France presented themselves, soliciting 
the glory of defending Louis XVI. Among them were Cazales, Necker, Nicolai, Lally- 
Tollendal, Malouet, Mounier, &c. Thomas Paine defended Louis in the Assembly. 
The illustrious Schiller sent to the Convention from Germany a memorial in favor of the 
king. Other petitions from scholars and counts reached the French capital, pleading 
for his life. But the decree of death had gone forth. Louis was aware of it by a 
presentiment. He had seen a female form, clothed in white, walking in the royal 
apartment, and then disappearing, — signal that a reigning Bourbon was to depart to the 
land of the just. 

" During his imprisonment in that gloomy tower, the Princess Elizabeth left her 
brother's presence only to comfort Marie Antoinette and educate Louis's two children, — 
the Dauphin (Louis Charles), and Marie Therese. In one of the king's last conversations 
with his counsel, he spoke of the kind and tender consolations he had received, and 
especially of the happiness derived from the caresses of an affectionate sister. He said, 
1 1 will not speak of my children now, nor further of my sister, whose life has been one 
unvaried course of devotion, courage, and affection. Her alliance was sought by Spain 
and Piedmont; and, at the death of Christina of Saxony, the canonesses of Piedmont 
wished to elect her their abbess ; but nothing could separate her from me. She clung 
to me in my misfortunes as others attached themselves to my prosperity. But I wish 
to speak of what gives my heart keenest pain, — the unjust opinion entertained by my 
subjects of the queen.' 

" Madame Elizabeth's devotion to her brother and family, while incarcerated in that 
dungeon prison, — mending their garments in midnight hours, administering medicines, 
speaking encouraging words, forgetting self, breathing prayers of trust and hope, and 
catching each stray moment to educate the children in music, drawing, and the fine arts, 
and conscious all this time that she was under the ban of The National Assembly, and 
almost certain of a death upon the scaffold, — challenges an equal in all the historic ages. 
And withal, how brave ! When the mock-trial of the king was in process, the Princess 
Elizabeth was the only member of the royal' family able to get near him. This, being 
inspired with a sister's love, she accomplished by rushing from window to window, with 
all the daring of an Indian maiden. The furious mob, in the name of liberty, seeing 
her near the king, mistook her for the object of their hate, Marie Antoinette, and shout- 
ed, ' There's the Austrian woman, the queen : slay her ! slay her ! ' The soldiers of The 
National Guard who were surrounding the princess endeavored to undeceive them; but 
the noble-hearted heroine turned to the soldiers, face calm as an angel's, and exclaimed, 
* No, no ! Undeceive them not ! Let them slay me ! Let their bayonets drain and drink 
my heart's blood, if 'twill save the queen ! ' 

" Deep trials refine the soul-forces ; and human nature, thus refined, and outlived in 



202 THE SPIRITUAL PILGRIM. 

its highest estate, brings heaven down to earth. This princess looked upon her poverty 
and sufferings, all for her brother's sake, as blessings in disguise. She felt that sorrow 
was but the prophecy of diviner joy; and, the nearer she approached the fatal close of 
life, the more radiant grew the brightness of her virtues and the glory of her martyr- 
dom. Her prayers, beatific in angelic fervor, were full of forgiveness for her brother's 
murderous enemies ; and such of her letters as were pi*eserved reveal a soul all aglow 

with purity and affection. 

" 'Every sentence, oh, how tender! 
Every line is full of love.' " 

" To a friend, she closes a letter thus : — 

" 'I enjoy, by anticipation, the pleasure you will experience in receiving this pledge 
of friendship and of confidence. To be once more with you, and to see you happy, is 
all I desire. You know how deeply I love you. I embrace you with my whole heart. 

" ' Elizabeth Marie.' 

" This beautiful woman, so full of sisterly affection, persuasive tenderness, divine for- 
giveness, pious enthusiasm, and genuine heroism, was guillotined soon after her brother, 
upon the charge of corresponding with the king's brothers, and being an accomplice to 
the crimes of the Bourbon family, as ' heir apparent' to the throne of France. Twenty- 
four others shared a like fate at the same time. Her composure and touching resigna- 
tion edified and astonished them all. It seemed her mission to minister unto others. 
She continued to encourage them to the last with words of cheer, and the exhibition of 
a noble moral heroism. Passing before her, they all bowed low as they ascended the 
scaffold. Madame Elizabeth's turn had come. Behold the scene ! — tenderness in her 
eyes, love on her dewy lips, life in her warm veins, and purity on her white bosom, that 
so gently, tremulously heaved. The executioner tears aside the robes from her chaste 
form. Her dark hair hangs loose and wavy. She kneels. Her fair, beautiful neck lays 
upon the block. The axe glimmers, falls: the princess is in eternity! 

" The last words of her counsel's defence were, ' She who at the court of France 
was deemed the most perfect model of every virtue can not be the enemy of French- 
men.' The historian, De Beauchesne, says, ' She was the best and most holy of friends, 
who, wearing heaven in her heart, and love in her eyes, soothed the most cruel pangs 
with the balm of her words, and with her angelic gaze ever re-assured the soul. . . . 
Her whole being was too beautiful, too lofty, not to forget itself when any other interest 
presented. Hers was the purest expression of that single-hearted candor, of that holy 
affection, which Raphael has given to the mother of Jesus, — an angelic grace, a Chris- 
tian serenity, that never occurred to the imagination of antiquity.' 

" Now, encircled in light, she treads the fairest fields of heaven. Her robes, reflect- 
ing her soul's purity, are bright with glittering sprays from the ' River of Life,' that 
John saw proceeding from the throne of God. Her harp breathes only harmonial 
thoughts, and the sweet love-strains of undying melody. Her tears have been crystal- 
lized into pearls, to adorn the faithful. Her sorrows have ripened into holy and heav- 
enly sympathies; and, through her poverty-experiences of earth, she is better enabled 
to now enrich millions with wisdom. 

" Souls do not forget. All love is immortal. Doubtless she oft descends to earth with 
holy evangels, to cheer the sad as they journey o'er the sands of time, yet trustingly 
look upward to the evergreen mountains of promise, and to those ever-flowing foun- 
tains that dot the plaza-lands of paradise." 

Closing the recital of this sad history, so feelingly told by Mr. 
Peebles, our best thought is found in silence, meditating upon what 



QUEEN OF MORN.— A VISION 203 

the angel said, " There are exiled hearts ! " The elegiac words of 
Phebe Cary, let us quote them for our " Pilgrim : " — 

" O my friend ! O my dearly beloved I 

Do you feel, do you know, 
How the times and the seasons are going? 

Are they weary and slow ? 
Does it seem to you long in the heavens, 

My true, tender mate, 
Since here we were living together, 

Where, dying, I wait ? 
'Tis long years, as we count by the springtimes, 

By the birth of the flowers : 
What are years, ay, eternities even, 

To love such as ours ? " 

In the " Isle of the Blest," the " Queen of Morn" is associated in 
Mr. Peebles's spirit-band with " Celestia" and " Morning Star," — 
"Sisters of purity;" who play together upon "the harp, lute, and 
lyre;" whose music, though not often heard by our "Pilgrim," yet 
is it felt, soothing his spirit, and lifting his affections to the life they 
live with the child-angels of God. 

At the gray of a summer's evening, this angel of all his years, 
whose hand had touched him, whose influence had so often en- 
chanted his hopes, this " Queen of Morn," vestured in white, accom- 
panied by her sisters, rapt in the poesy of song, whispered in the 
clairaudient ear of Mrs. Nellie Smith of Sturgis these precious 
words, addressed direct to our weeping pilgrim : — 

" Come with me, my beloved ! come away for a season from thy cares and weary 
work! I will await thee on the green banks of the beautiful river, and give thee love's 
welcome. 

" I'll tune my harp to its richest measures, and sing thee to sweet repose. 

" Life of my life, for ever near, for ever dear, light is darkness without thee, 
and music is mourning. Knowest thou something of love ? I will teach thee more ; 
will perfume thy throbbing heart with ecstasies of which thou hast not known. Oh! 
what can I not promise thee ? Rich gifts are in my keeping, but through love alone. 

" My beautiful, I have watched o'er thy steps, and have exulted in thy soul's fair 
expansion; have seen the tides of feeling accumulate force, and noble aspirations take 
loftier flights: while love, the crowning palm of thy rich nature, has sent its roots 
deeper and deeper into the region of thy soul's mines of iron and gold and gems, ex- 
haustless and indestructible. I know thee well, true love of mine ; and all thy yearnings 
for the perfect life are clear to my spirit-gaze. Earth does not satisfy thee, nor 
should it. Will my love in measureless waves allay thy thirst? Ah! what can I give 
thee more ? What askest thou ? Speak ! 

"We have held nothing back when thou hast called: we have robed thee in angel 
royalty, have filled thy brain with poesy's true spirit, and touched thy lips with flame. 
We have set thy feet in high places, and have given souls into thy hands. What wilt 
thou still? Love, praise, and honor are at thy feet as myrrh and incense. Ask, if thy 



204 THE SPIRITUAL PILGRIM. 

deep soul desires aught else, and I'll fly through Nature's vast domains to do thy bid- 
ding, — to bless thee, loved and treasured one. Perhaps the humblest instruments only 
may be at my command: do not disdain them. The Father's love overshadoweth all. 
In love alone can I approach thee, to touch the springs of thy own love-nature. Yet 
ever am I near: in thine orisons and meeting, I sing solemn symphonies, and chant 
the high Te Deum. Like the sparkling waters round a golden isle would I circle thee 
with sleepless vigils. Ever the burden of my song is love." 



CHAPTER XXIV. 

A NEW CYCLE. 

" Life hath its harvest morns, 

Its tasseled corn and purple-weighted vine, 
Its gathered sheaves of grain, the blessed sign 
Of plenteous reaping, bread and pure rich wine, 

Full hearts for harvest times." — Isa G-llbert. 

After four years of faithful service in the Western department of 
" The Banner of Light," Mr. Peebles resigned his editorship, which 
the publishers of this stable journal reluctantly accepted. Yield- 
ing with a most friendly spirit, the editor-in-chief, Luther Colby, 
penned a very beautiful tribute, fraught with tender words, and with 
angels' blessings invoked upon his attached brother. In his valedic- 
tory, Mr. Peebles says, — 

" Though life is fraught with varied changes, — meeting to-day, and parting to-mor- 
row, — friendship, inhering as a principle in the human soul, never perishes. It is only 
a germinal bud on earth, blooming into a sweeter, fresher- fragrance in heaven. Cor- 
dial in our nature, never can we forget the friends cherished, hands clasped, or 
acquaintances formed during the several years of our editorial connection with ' The 
Banner of Light.' 

"If competent of self-judgment, it has been our aim, our soul -purpose each week, 
to be just and impartial, — to benefit humanity by elucidating the phenomena, the 
philosophy, and practical tendencies of Spiritualism. If, in so doing, a sarcastic word 
has carelessly slipped from our pen, or a severe thought taken form on the eighth page, 
wounding a sincere soul, we deeply regret it. ' To err is human; to forgive, divine.' 

" Not a link in the chain of mutual sympathy and good feeling between us lies severed 
or rusted. In the business capacity and strict integrity of Wm. White & Co., we have 
the most perfect confidence ; and only the hope of wider usefulness inclines us to enter 
a somewhat different and more diffusive field of action." 

The "field" to which he refers was the general supervision of 
another weekly, " The Universe," published by H. N. F. Lewis, 
then in Chicago, subsequently in New York. Iti entering upon this 
task, to which he was so cordially invited, as editor-in-chief of this 
radical paper, he says, — 

205 



206 THE SPIRITUAL PILGRIM. 

" Freedom is the watchword of the age, and as applicable to periodicals as to speech; 
still, this freedom must not be allowed to degenerate into anarchy, nor liberty into wanton 
license. A brotherly interchange of the most diverse sentiments, however, is educa- 
tional, beneficial, and beautiful in practical results. Full of faith in the divine con- 
sciousness of the race, and trusting much to the noble instincts and innate worth of 
each and all individuals constituting our common humanity, we shall nevertheless bear 
the responsibility of only our own weekly productions. The thoughts that throb for 
birth into outer life shall flow from our pen in earnest words. If they warm the heart, 
gladden with sunshine the soul, and, removing the rubbish, plant roses along the rugged 
pathway of life, well; if not, they must move on, the guests of more receptive 
natures." 

Some of Mr. Peebles's choicest gems of thought were published 
in " The Universe." We make a few extracts : — 

" Senators, representatives, and other officials of high degree, rise to power through 
political corruption. Is the candidate available? — that's the question. Court decis- 
ions are carried by intrigue. Money, or a ' valuable consideration ' as the equivalent, 
has become the underlying method of conducting public affairs. Will it pa;/? is the in- 
quiry. Human integrity, justice, are among the ' lost graces' in political circles: the 
question is, ' What will it cost to get the office, and what can I make out of it ? ' The 
late war intensified this demoralization. The back-brain inspiration, so thoroughly 
aroused by it, still lingers. ... 

" Education, justice, equality, are the watchwords of all advanced thinkers. Educa- 
tion should be not merely the learning of words, but integral, — a cultivation of the 
intellect, of the affections, of the emotions, of the higher intuitive powers, — all those 
qualities that make the good man, the good woman. The sexes should be educated 
together, each assisting in the mental and moral development of the other. The educa- 
tion of the future, if in accordance with the genius of the age, will popularize hygiene, 
art, music, industry, integrity, peace, freedom, and sanitary reforms. 

"Science is sifting theologies. Buried Asiatic cities are being exhumed; Central 
Africa is being explored; cables are girding the globe; and the Rocky Mountains have 
dwindled almost to sand-hills for the laying of the iron trail, along which schoolboys 
will soon fly their kites, and over which graceful summer swallows will sing their 
vesper praises. With steam for breath, and lightning for brain, the winds and seas 
conquered, the rock-ribbed mountains at our feet, now who will give us an air-ship, 
some aerial velocipede, that, swiftly cutting those clear atmospheric strata that look down 
upon northern ice-belts, shall land explorers upon the inner shores that fringe the polar 
seas ? Is not the Columbus bom, that, leading the way, will enable us to clasp the 
hands of those inhabitants who, in isolation, have so long summered and wintered in 
the frigid regions of the North Pole? Every acre explored, the' whole earth is to become 
the servant of man, with palms and dates flourishing in deserts, flowers blooming 
along the highways, and fruit-trees bending with matured sustenance, wide and extended 
as the avenues of travel. 

" There is a coming millennium for humanity. It will be a practical age. Men and 
women will be kings and queens, — exact equals, and laws unto themselves. The 
principle of love will link heart to heart, hearth to hearth, hamlet to hamlet, and nation 
to nation, — a banded brotherhood and sisterhood of interests, restoring the poet's 
Eden. . . . 



A NEW CYCLE. 207 

" It is grand to contemplate optimism from the standpoint of the deep thinker ; but 
any loose, illogical, illy-explained system of optimism — that lumps moral qualities and 
immoral tendencies into one conglomerated mass, that seeks the destruction of all dis- 
tinctions between vice and virtue, and inferentially says, that pirates, murderers, 
thieves, sensualists, vampires, impostors, are ' doing their work,' thus implying that 
their work is legitimate, orderly, beautiful, and divine — is deserving of little considera- 
tion. The advocates and adherents of such a theory are entitled only to pity. 

"That pirates, impostors, and all such characters, are doing a 'work' is very 
evident ; and so is the inebriate doing a work, when he pours into his body poisoned 
liquors. This work fruits out in blotches, diseases, poverty, wretchedness, and a gen- 
eral dwarfing of the moral nature. Had not all such work better be left undone ? Is 
there no way to the enjoyment of the heaven of temperance, purity, and harmony, save 
through the winding way of drunkenness and debauchery ? Such a dogma is, — 

' A monster of such frightful mien, 
That to be hated needs but to be seen.' 

It is quite time for Spiritualists to sift the chaff from the wheat, the sense from the 
nonsense, afloat in their name, and, gathering up their precious truths, now 'lying 
around loosely,' put them into shape and system, for acceptance and practice. 

" The organizing of harmonial associations — banded brotherhoods and sisterhoods, 
based upon equality — would, while destroying all antagonisms between stolen capital 
and daily toil, make labor attractive. Furthermore, sinking selfishness into self-sacrifice, 
they would do away with isolation, and this crushing poverty that so fearfully obtains 
in the great cities. Those united societies termed ' Shakers ' have no poor; and, on the 
day of Pentecost, those baptized from the heavens were inspired to hold ' all things in 
common.' 

" Three important needs' are constantly pressing themselves upon the masses. They 
are necessities, and may be denominated by the common terms, physical, social, spiritual. 
As legitimate, looking to the supply of these needs so universally felt, why not organize 
associations, thus reducing the better theories upon this subject to practical life? Of 
what avail the ideal, unless it fruits into the real ? 

" Under physical needs may be classed home, food, clothing, labor, amusements; 
under social necessities may be mentioned families, friendships, sympathies, music, 
art, literature. 

"Under the head of spiritual needs may be designated moral culture, education, 
progress, spirit-communion, and such inspirations as shall help each and all to near the 
heavenly life on earth. How many sweet associations cluster around the endearing 
word 'home,' — a home possessing all the foregoing comforts and requirements, a 
home ever vernal with heart-flowers of beauty, a home with cordial hands to clasp 
our own, a home where wisdom guides, and love is law ! 

" These homes, with agricultural products for a physical basis, would afford the 
choicest opportunities for mental and moral culture. Manufactures would express the 
forms of use connected with such progressive movements. Commerce would be a 
means of supply, or, rather, a transfer of commodities, upon the basis of equivalents. 
Certain homes of the brotherhood would necessarily be mostly agricultural; others, 
manufacturing; and others still would combine the two in connection with the educa- 
tional. A chain of sympathy and common interest, looking to the good of all, would 
thus grow up between these homes, whether located in this or foreign countries. 

"A social order, possessing these and other beneficial tendencies relating to the 



208 THE SPIRITUAL PILGRIM. 

equality of the sexes and the strict administration of justice, will ultimately prevail 
throughout the world. The angels so teach ; and those who have tasted the first-fruits 
of the kingdom, or rather the republic, of heaven, actualized on earth, so believe. The 
Shakers, Essenians of the nineteenth century, are already in the vestibule of this 
temple. 

" Such homes should have one common and elegant building in the centre, for lec- 
tures, music, educational pursuits, gymnasium-exercises, amusements, &c. Around, 
and branching outward from this, there might be a system of cottage-buildings, all in 
form and order. Purity the reigning principle, and culture the common aim, the 
interests of one should be felt to be the highest interests of all. Each should seek ' an- 
other's wealth,' — that is, another's good, — and find supreme delight in serving all; and 
those entering into such an enterprise should do it with a life consecrated to human 
good and happiness." 



CHAPTER XXV. 

APPOINTED CONSUL. 

" Better be cheated to the last, 

Than lose the blessed hope of truth." 

" Let this suffice 
To show why I my pilgrim patronize. 
It came from my own heart ; so to my head, 
And then into my fingers trickled." — Bunyan's Pilgrim. 

Since being associated with spirits of the Eastern world, Mr. Pee- 
bles felt an unquenchable longing to travel thither in quest of truth. 
The discipline, thus far morally enforced, taught him that the spiritual 
beauties of Oriental Spiritualism lay hidden under the debris of more 
modern literature. He dreamed awake ; awake he acted : go he must. 
His whole soul burned with a flame of love for classic lands, for an- 
cient ruins, for Asian mountains, for the poesy and song that throb 
the sunniest under the rising sun. Like the other major events of his 
life, this purpose, evoked by the spirits, cast its shadow into his horo- 
scope, and there was seen by different clairvoyants long before his 
plans were matured. While lecturing in Detroit, Mich., he met 
Mrs. R. G. Murray, now in the Summer Isle, whose husband was 
formerly a Presbyterian clergyman, but an earnest and noble Spirit- 
ualist now, ripening for the great harvest. This lady, upon becom- 
ing entranced by an Indian spirit, calling himself " Big Thunder," 
said, "A bright, pale-faced spirit tells me to say to you, brother, that 
you are to go over the wide waters before the leaves become many 
times green and sere again. You are to go in a great ship-canoe, and 
in an official capacity." He inquired, " Why do you say that ? " The 
spirit replied, " Because the pale-faced guardian so says, and because 
I see in your hand state-papers, sealed with red wax, and circled 
with red tape." 

About four years prior to Mr. Peebles's travels to the East, the fol- 
14 209 



210 THE SPIRITUAL PILGRIM. 

lowing vision was given to him by a clairvoyant medium in Philadel- 
phia, Dr. H. T. Child, an experienced Spiritualist and writer, being 
present. The lady entranced, looking into a rock crystal of peculiar 
shape, said, — 

" I see you in a foreign country. The people must be English; for their dress and lan- 
guage nearly correspond with the American. You are traversing the country on some 
interesting mission. Now you stand beside a singular vehicle : it resembles a wheel- 
barrow. A lady — it is Mrs. Hardinge — with yourself grasp the handles, and seem 
trundling it up the hillside. How faithfully, zealously, you toil ! How strange ! 
This vehicle seems loaded with books, pamphlets, and periodicals. A short, stirring, sin- 
cere, and enthusiastic individual seems to be loading the wheelbarrow. Mercy ! how 
he works! ' If it be true that the worker wins, a golden harvest must await such con- 
secration to a holy purpose." It needs no supernatural gift to identify in this worker 
Mr. Burns, of the Progressive Library, London. 

Seasons came and passed. Mrs. Murray spoke to him several 
times of her vision, expressing perfect faith in its fulfillment ; but he 
then was doubtful, deep as was his desire to prove her a true proph- 
etess. Our life-lines, do not angels hold them, and fasten them where 
they belong, from the past out into the future ? 

Some time in July, 1869, Harrison Barrett, Superintendent of the 
S. and F. R. R., invited Mr. Peebles to lecture in Sheboygan, Wis. 
Through the generous auspices of Rev. Mr. Howard, the Unitarian 
church was open to him. At the close of his lecture, he informed the 
people that he should start in a few days for Europe. That was his 
last lecture in America before leaving. There we parted with mutual 
blessings invoked. Soon his resolution was reported to the Spiritual 
papers. Col. D. M. Fox, editor of " The Present Age," then Presi- 
dent of the National American Association of Spiritualists, thus 
spoke of his intended departure, — 

" We are sorry to learn that Brother Peebles can not postpone his embarkation for 
Europe until our Annual National Convention, as we very much desired the calm coun- 
sel and genial influence of one who has been so long identified with the Spiritualistic 
movement. Our best wishes go with him; for we know how long and anxiously he has 
desired to visit the scenes of tbe Old World, and his intense desire to delve in its grand 
old libraries, containing their millions of volumes of ancient lore. With us, thousands 
of American Spiritualists will unite in saying, — 

" ' Where'er thou journeyest, or whate'er thy care, 
My heart shall follow, and my spirit share.' " 

Hearing of his design, friends in Washington and elsewhere pro- 
cured for him a consulate to Trebisond, Asia. It was not expected. 
Mr. Lewis, of " The Universe," said, — 



APPOINTED CONSUL. 211 

" We announced last week that Mr. Peebles was to set sail on Saturday, July 31, 
in the steamship ' City of Brooklyn,' for Liverpool, intending to visit the various coun- 
tries of Europe, and, if possible, to continue his journeyings into the Orient. It has been 
Mr. Peebles's fervent desire, for years, to visit the Holy Land; but it has been uncertain 
whether he could accomplish this on the present trip. That doubt has now been re- 
moved. 

" We have the pleasure of presenting our readers with the following note from Damon 
Y. Kilgore, Esq., of Philadelphia, received after the issue of our last number, which will 
convey gratifying intelligence to thousands : — 

" Philadelphia, July 30, 1869. 
" H. N. F. Lewis, Esq. Dear Sir, — You will be pleased to learn that I have just re- 
ceived a telegram from Mr. Davis, Assistant Secretary of State, at Washington, stating 
that J. M. Peebles, editor-in-chief of 'The Universe,' has just been appointed Consul 
at Trebisond. . . . Our good brother left my office yesterday for New- York City, in 
the best of spirits. God bless him ! Damon Y. Kilgore. 

" Trebisond is a leading commercial city of Turkey in Asia; and the personal advan- 
tage to Mr. Peebles of this appointment will be at once seen. It is needless to say that 
the official duties of the post will be conducted with scrupulous fidelity. This appoint- 
ment affords an instance of proof, that the United States government does not bestow its 
favors entirely upon political aspirants." 

" The Banner of Light " congratulated the appointment thus : — 

"It is a wonder he was not rejected on account of his belief in Spiritualism. This 
appointment gratifies us exceedingly, as it is a proof that bigotry is lessening its hold on 
the minds of men in authority, and that justice is sure to achieve victory in the long 
run. How will our ecclesiastical friends like this appointment ? Not remarkably well, 
we opine. Progress is ever onward, however; and those who attempt to retard it, 
through selfishness or bigotry, will surely be crushed by its ponderous wheels. May 
success attend Brother Peebles in his new mission is the sincere wish of his hosts 
of friends ! ' ' 

E. S. Wheeler, of " The American Spiritualist," wrote, — 

" We were made aware of the action in favor of the appointment of friend Peebles 
when in Washington this spring, and are not surprised at the result. We do not con- 
sider it ' a wonder he was not rejected on account of his belief in Spiritualism,' hap- 
pening to know it was rather a strong recommendation in some official quarters. 
Among the most respected and trusted government officials are open and avowed Spir- 
itualists. The administration persecutes no phase of religious sentiments : and, in our 
opinion, this ceaseless cry of the unpopularity of our philosophy, the poverty of our- 
selves, and the persecution we meet, is as much out of taste and time as foreign to the 
general truth." 

It saddens our soul to say, that, after Mr. Peebles had left for 
Europe, studied efforts were made by two or three individuals to 
underrate the beneficence of his mission. His friends sent him 
letters of unfaltering friendship. He received scores of them, con- 



212 THE SPIRITUAL PILGRIM. 

derailing the cowardly innuendoes. It was a trial moment, which 
centered his trust in heaven. u The American Spiritualist" justly 
said, — 

" The laurels he has won are well earned, at a great price of self-sacrifice, — laurels of 
fidelity, not of pride ; and they who tear them would also rend the stars from heaven, if 
they shine not specially for them. . . . 

"He has gone there with the noble intention of gleaning historic truth, under the 
guidance of his ministering spirits, from ancient ruins of once flourishing cities that 
projected a world's civilization, from the hieroglyphics of buried tombs, from obelisks, 
and the rocks of consecrated mountains and shrines, of exhuming psychologically the 
hidden pearls of wisdom, embodied again in living form, to add a new luster of moral 
wealth to the spiritual temple we are all trying to construct for a shelterless and impov- 
erished humanity." 

Just before Mr. Peebles started, we received a letter, from which 
we clip this sparkling gem of faith, — 

" The time draws near for sailing, Hallelujah! Up or down among green seaweeds, 
all the same. The Lord reigns. In him and angels is my trust. Sail Saturday." 



CHAPTER XXVI. 

IN FOREIGN LANDS. 

" Horsed on the Proteus, 
Thou ridest to power 
And to endurance." — EMERSON. 

In steamer " City of Brooklyn," — swift plow of the main, pro- 
pelling three hundred miles per day. " Adieu, sweet native land ! " — 
"Adieu ! " is the shout of parting friends, waving their handker- 
chiefs, the hearts' white flags of truce. On board this nautical com- 
monwealth were Sir John Barrington, Ex-Lord Mayor of Dublin ; 
Judge Field, brother of Cyrus W. Field, alias "Atlantic Cable ; " 
artists and actresses, poets and philosophers, — a literary world in 
miniature. Our " pilgrim " caught the civilizing psychology of the 
ocean. The waves were mad, the winds frowned, the steamer stag- 
gered. " Heigho ! " was his shout. The passengers slunk away 
into their berths. Jonah's fish was not half as vigorous ; for he 
challenged the storms and waves, rushed on deck, gloried in the 
ocean's revelry, and escaped the sea-sick contagion. " Grace aside," 
he writes, " it is grit that leads to glory on the ocean." At midnight 
he was out watching the stars, sailing under sidereal bowers, the 
spirits leading. He stroked the beard of old Neptune, and mounted 
on his shoulders, thence up to that other realm, — 

" Out on the sea of eternity." 

On the 18th of August, the " Brooklyn " touched at Queenstown, 
Ireland, and in a few hours more landed at Liverpool, — the solid 
city that defies all time. 

Letters sent from the Old Country by our brother are so admirably 
descriptive of his experiences there, we publish them almost entire. 

213 



214 THE SPIRITUAL PILGRIM. 

Liveepool, Aug. 23, 1869. 

Deae Brother, — Am safely in the Old World, yet feel new and fresh. Every 
thing seems unique, substantial, and solid. Liverpool looks cold, stone buildings being 
large and dingy. Visited St. George's Hall, Birkenhead Park, planned by Sir Joseph 
Paxton. How magnificent! Mine host is James Wason, an eminent barrister; who has 
taken unwearied pains to show me Liverpool in its greatness and beauty, and Chester, 
an old walled city, abounding in ruins. The walls were laid in the time of Julius Csesar. 
The Cathedral here interested me deeply. In it are the remains of distinguished per- 
sonages, even the sarcophagus of Henry IV. of Germany. English friendship is pecu- 
liarly attractive to Americans, as I find it in Judge Wason. Through his kindness, I 
was invited into the criminal court, where I saw judges and barristers attired in robes, 
wigs, and bands. Ancient, grave, they appeared, when spiritually sensed, as heartless 
as dignified. ... 

Isn't it queer to be under the government of woman? Wonder if I shall see the 
queen, — an English sister of mine? " . . . . 

Manchestee, England, Aug. 27, 1869. 

My American Fellow- Woekee, — The railway journey to Manchester is through 
a garden of hedgerows and flowers. English cultivation is admirable. Saw women in 
the harvest-fields, — women's rights! Traveling here is un-American: the engines are 
smaller, but more fleet. The English tunnel their hills and mountains. . . . Manches- 
ter is the Lowell of England. It numbers four hundred thousand. Its manufactures 
are vast; and its black-throated chimneys breathe out volumes of smoke, which, de- 
scending, cast a gloom over the city and its suburbs. 

A century gone, the religious authorities of this city persecuted Dr. John Dee, per- 
mitted the rabble to indecoi-ously treat John Wesley, throwing mud in his face, and 
imprisoned mother Ann Lee, the patron saint of the Shakers. . . . Yesterday, in 
company with Mr. Bealey, a poet and scholar, visited the palatial mansion of John 
Bright of Rochdale, — name dear to every American. He is a rare man, perfectly 
easy, approachable, and agreeable ; in fact, I find this is the case with all English gen- 
tlemen. Our conversation was mostly upon peace, — the peace-movements of England 
and America. He intimated that the surest way to maintain peace, under the present 
status of civilization, is to maintain large standing armies. In this we differed. Stand- 
ing armies imply readiness for war; and this incites the spirit of bloodshed. He spoke 
of American institutions in the highest terms. ... I have lectured in Manchester 
several times on Spiritualism: but the mental soil seems hard and unimpressible. But 
few attended. Oh, how unlike those inspired meetings in America, where hundreds 
and thousands gather under the green forests and hills, to hear the angels' gospel ! . . . 

I find in Rev. John Hodgson a good, Methodist minister, who preaches Spiritualism: 
when attacked by secularists, he manfully defended my positions. . . . My mind to-day 
turns continually upon Aaron Nite and Dr. E. C. Dunn. Wonder if I can certainly 
identify Aaron at Yorkshire ? Knowing as I do that there are obsessing spirits who 
assume false names for selfish ends, if I fail in this attempt, it will be the first time that 
I have doubted his individuality for many years. I shall go there, and thoroughly test 
the matter- . . . 

York City, England, Aug. 30, 1869. 

My Transatlantic Brother, — As I wrote you the other day, one all-absorbing 
thought has been on my mind. " To Yorkshire " has haunted me. " I must," I said, " see 
the ancient home of my spirit-brother, Aaron Nite." And here I am. It seems to me a 
sacred city. Am I a spirit-worshiper? — not worshiper, but lover. Eleven years since, 
Aaron told me about these very scenes which are now before my eyes. How wonder- 



IN FOREIGN LANDS. 215 

ful! Here are the River Ouse; St. Mary's Abbey, in ruins; the Minster; the beautiful 
window-designs; the location of the Virgin Mary, with the serpent under her feet; the 
rocks and lawns where he played when a mere boy, — all exactly as he many times 
pictured them. 

Accompanied by Robert Green, Esq , of Brotherton, I hunted to-day in the "Annals 
of York," but failed to get any clue of identity, until a venerable antiquarian directed 
us to the " Will Office; " where, securing the services of the clerk in overhauling the rec- 
ords, I asked him to go back two hundred years, and search for the Knights, — a 
family famous for its clerical distinctions. He did so; and, to my joy and delight, he 
found the name of Rev. James Knight, the identical brother of Aaron. The test was 
perfect. Let me never doubt. He insists upon spelling his name in Anglo-Saxon style, 
— Nite. The original name was McKnight; and the family was connected with the 
McKnights who commented on the Gospels. I procured a full copy of the original 
record, with this translation from the Latin, — 

" Twenty-fourth of October, 1714. James Knight, A.M., was ordained deacon in 
the Savoy Chapel, London, and priest in the same chapel on the following Sunday." — 
From the Institution Book in the Archi- episcopal Registry, York, England. 

Oh, I rejoice in the fact that I have tasted of the ministry of angels ! . . . 

Glasgow, Scotland, Sept. 1, 1869. 
Brother of the West, — .... Am in Scotland, — dear old land of my ances- 
tors. It thrills my soul with joy to tread these hills, pluck the heather, ramble these 
woods, reminding me of Burns' "Cotter's Saturday Night," — of the homeward cotter 
from his rustic toil. Reflecting upon the configurations of this country, I can well 
understand what made a Burns, a Wallace, a Bruce, a Marvelle, and a Hugh Miller, 
who, in a vain attempt to reconcile the Book of Genesis with geology, became mentally 
unbalanced, and passed by his own hand to the better land. . . . My meeting on Sun- 
day at Glasgow was a success : hall packed, Prof. J. W. Jackson in the chair. Stop- 
ping now with friend Nisbet. The Clarks, Browns, and Duguid, the spirit-artist, have 
called upon me: they are all good, genial Scotch. I already love them. Wonder if I 
shall think as much of the Londoners. . . . Should like to describe to you the scenes 
and my emotions whilst passing up the Tweed to Berwick Castle, and by the old town 
of Peebles, mentioned in Burns's poems, and rendered famous in Sir Walter Scott's 
novels. ... Of Edinburgh, — what a beautiful city ! — it is truly entitled to the appella- 
tion of "Modern Athens." After repairing to the publishing-house of William and Rob- 
ert Chambers, I visited John Knox's house, one of the oldest buildings in the city. . . . 
Did I tell you that I was in Farnley Hall, seeing the paintings of Vandyke, Rubens, 
Turner, and other masters V They are superb. I saw Cromwell's broad-brimmed hat; 
the table at which he dined the day before the battle of the Moor, in 1644; the swords 
of that hero, and of Lambert and Fairfax. . . . Our " Day Out " down the Clyde, among 
the lakes, nestling among the mountains, how beautiful, sunny, sweet ! The scenery 
equals any thing I have seen, though not on so magnificent scale. Queen Victoria was 
on the lake the same day; had a fine view of her majesty's highness. She is a good 
sister, a true mother, and, as ruler, exerts a good moral influence, and is dearly beloved 
by her subjects. ... I have written Mrs. Peebles all about this, descriptive of the 
heather hills that bore on their ragged bosoms the hearts of our progenitors, and particu- 
larly of the good queen. Ever thine, J. M. Peebles. 

London ! — the great world of brain, the heart of commerce. 

" These high things are lost and drowned and dimmed, 
Like a blue eye in tears." 



216 THE SPIRITUAL PILGRIM. 

u So thou art, old city, for me, too, a wandering minstrel ; who 
shall delight thee with a song, Mother of nations? " Our " Pil- 
grim's " reception surprised him, — unlike American style. Less 
notoriety would have suited his taste ; but he was taken by storm, 
and had to surrender to British tact. We clip the following from 
" The London Human Nature : " — 

" The readers 'of that veteran and stanch exponent of Spiritualism, ' The Banner of 
Light,' have long been agreeably attracted towards the last page of that journal; on 
which was, till lately, printed the 'Western Department, — J. M. Peebles, editor,' — in 
which capacity this gentleman has been chiefly known to British readers. As a lectur- 
er, l The Banner' has also introduced him to this country by the copious reports of his 
orations on the Spiritual Philosophy which it has given from time to time. . . . 

" Mr. Peebles reached the metropolis on the morning of Sept. 6 ; and, after an inter- 
view with Mrs. Hardinge, previous to her departure for Liverpool en route for America, 
he took up his abode at the Progressive Library and Spiritual Institution, desiring quiet 
and retirement, that he might prosecute his literary labors. A committee of leading 
London Spiritualists quickly resolved on giving their distinguished guest a public recep- 
tion; and, accordingly, a circular signed by J. Burns was issued to the prominent Spir- 
itualists of London and the provinces, stating that ' the arrival of Mr. J. M. Peebles, of 
America, in this country, has suggested the desirability of entertaining him at a meeting 
of welcome, on the occasion of his visit amongst us, and give a representative gathering 
of London Spiritualists the opportunity of exchanging fraternal greetings Avith an Ameri- 
can medium and leading Spiritualist of culture and experience.' The meeting took 
place at the Spiritual Institution, 15 Southampton Row. W.C., on the evening of Wednes- 
day, Sept. 15 ; when a most influential and harmonious gathering met to do honor to Mr. 
Peebles, and the movement and nation he represents. Amongst those present were 
Mrs. Macdougall Gregory, widow of the late Prof. Gregory of Edinburgh; the Countess 
Paulett; Mrs. George Thompson, whose husband is so well known in England and 
America for his active sympathies with the cause of human freedom; Mr. and Miss 
Cooper; Mrs. Tebb; Miss Santi; Miss Houghton; Mr., Mrs., and Miss Dornbusch; Prof. 
Palmer of St. John's College, Cambridge ; Mr. Russell of the University, Cambridge ; 
Rev. M. D. Conway; Rev. S. E. Bengough, M.A.; B. Coleman, Esq ; A. B. Tietkens, 
Esq. ; Dr. R. Colquhoun ; Dr. Wilmshurst; Mr. Hannah ; Mr. Mawson, Mr. Armfield, &c. 

" Letters from eminent Spiritualists were read, — from William Howitt, D. D. Home, 
J. W. Jackson, Dr. Nichols, Rev. F. R. Young, S. C. Hall (editor of ' The Art Journal'), 
and others. 

" Mr. Coleman, in opening the proceedings, said, — 

" 'Ladies and Gentlemen, — I have just been requested to take the chair on this 
occasion. We are met here, as you are aware, to give a welcome and greeting to our 
friend Mr. Peebles ; and, to those who are acquainted with American literature, his name 
will be familiar. I have known him by reputation for many years; and I am free to 
say, I know no man more unselfish or more earnest than our friend Mr. Peebles. I may 
also say, that though I cordially respect my friend, and highly appreciate his earnest 
working in the cause, yet I might not be able to agree with him in all the views he 
might take of our movement; but as we can all agree to differ, and respect the differ- 
ences of opinion which exist amongst us, that does not prevent us from thanking him 
for his presence amongst us this evening in the cause of Spiritualism.' 

" Mr. Tietkins was then called upon to read the following 



IN FOREIGN LANDS. 217 

" ' ADDRESS TO MR. J. M. PEEBLES, OF AMERICA, BY THE SPIRITUALISTS OP 

LONDON. 

" ' Dear Sir and Brother, — We have the greatest pleasure, on the present occa- 
sion, in welcoming you amongst us, and in extending the Avarm hand of brotherhood to 
you, as an eminent representative of the millions on the Western hemisphere who share 
with us the beautiful teachings derived from spirit-communion. 

" ' Peace, wisdom, and inspiration be with you, and the highly-enlightened nation of 
which you are a distinguished citizen ! We perceive in your life-work, as inspirational 
medium, teacher, author, and editor, an apt illustration of the genius of modern Spirit- 
ualism. In your learned researches, you have shown that the stream of human progress 
has been fed ever, in all ages, from spiritual sources ; that this divine influx is inexhaust- 
ible, and ever present; that it is confined to no age, race, sect, or form of belief; and 
that its redemptive work will yet extend to the complete development of man from all 
angularities and imperfections. 

" ' We welcome you also as an authorized delegate from the friends of peace in Amer- 
ica, and as an active promoter of individual and social reform and human welfare in 
every sense. 

" ' We shall be glad to hear from your lips some account of the present position of 
Spiritualism in America, its upward struggles, its achievements, and its future tenden- 
cies; also the status of mediumship most prevalent and useful, and any other informa- 
tion which the impressions of the moment may furnish. 

" ' We shall be glad if you can extend your sojourn amongst us, and help us in the 
great work which we have scarcely yet begun. We cordially invite you to our plat- 
forms in the metropolis and chief cities of this country. The people require much 
teaching concerning our principles and motives; and the leaders of our movement 
would be benefited by your guidance in the matter of organization, and the best means 
of promoting the popular diffusion of Spiritualism.' 

" ' Wishing you a prosperous and safe journey to the consular appointment in Asia 
which your government has been pleased to confide to you, and praying that you may 
be the recipient of those blessings (in this and other worlds) which flow from the soul's 
most cherished treasure, — the possession of truth, — we are sincerely yours.' 

" Mr. Tietkins concluded by moving a resolution that the address be adopted by 
the meeting, and presented to Mr. Peebles. 

" The Rev. S. E. Bengough, M.A., of Christ's College, Cambridge, seconded the resolu- 
tion, and at the same time desired to say a word with regard to his own feelings in wel- 
coming a gentleman from the Far West. He owed a great debt of gratitude to the mind of 
America; because much that had led to his improvement, and added to his manhood in 
the truest sense, had been derived from those writings which had emanated from the 
other side of the Atlantic. He thought no Englishman could become conversant with 
such writers as Emerson, without being the better for it. He was very anxious indeed 
to become acquainted with the book on the table, entitled, ' The Seers of the Ages.' In 
looking over its pages, it promised a rich feast. From it he observed that Spiritualism 
has been known in all ages, and to all nations, — in Persia, Greece, Rome, and Palestine; 
and this led him to notice one fact with regard to Spiritualism : It seemed that we could 
not possibly separate opinions from national character, and that our national character 
influenced our conception of every thing, and Spiritualism among the number. ' How 
very different, for instance,' said Mr. Bengough, ' is the tone of French writers on Spir- 
itualism to those born in England, and partaking thoroughly of the English spirit. This 
holds true of every nation. Then in what respect are we to derive especial advantages 
from American Spiritualism ? They speak our language, while at the same time their 



218 THE SPIRITUAL PILGRIM. 

thoughts are not confined within the barriers which of necessity confine, in a certain 
measure, our own, and prevent the true development of the spiritualistic idea; and I 
think, therefore, when we have brought prominently before us by the first minds of 
America these great truths, we are likely to have many of our narrow opinions broken 
down, and new life imparted to us. Therefore, for my part, I shall listen with great 
interest to Mr. Peebles.' 

" Miss Houghton said, ' We are most happy to see Mr. Peebles, and to welcome him 
to this country.' 

" Rev. M. D. Conway being called upon, said, ' Mr. Chairman, Ladies, and Gentlemen, 
— I have great sympathy with you in giving welcome to a genuine American thinker and 
laborer in good works. Not being a Spiritualist, I have no claim upon the generosity 
which has invited me here except the great respect I have for truth. I am more friendly 
with Spiritualists than with spirits; and I acknowledge a large number of very dear 
friends in that body. There has not yet been a complete and thorough attempt to bring 
the scientific men of London to the point of testing the great and important claims of 
this movement. No one can travel through America or Russia, and mix in any com- 
pany, but he will find a Spiritualist present, — persons perhaps of great intelligence 
and refinement, — barons and princes, and persons who have studied in all languages; 
and no individual can for a moment doubt their integrity. The subject has not been 
sufficiently decided by men of science and culture, except such as were Spiritualists; 
and few are capable of strict scientific investigation. The most of people can only believe 
what they can bite: more, they can not understand. Of course I know what the Dialec- 
tical Society has been doing; but the public will have no more faith in them than they 
have in any of you, gentlemen : and, when they come out with their report, no one will 
respect it. The only thing in the world for the skeptic mind of this age will be when 
two or three well-known scientific men can report that they have seen the manifesta- 
tions. As for Mr. Peebles, I have long known him as a liberal American and an earnest 
man; and I am obliged to those gentlemen who have so kindly enabled me to meet 
him.' " 

Mr. Burns also addressed the meeting in a most felicitous manner, 
also C. W. Pearce, both alluding to the progressive library for the 
diffusion of Spiritual literature. 

" Mr. Coleman then put the address to the meeting, which was carried with una- 
nimity. 

" Mr. Peebles then rose, and in an off-hand manner said, — 

"'Mr. President, Ladies, and Gentlemen, — The privilege of meeting you 
upon the present occasion affords me intense pleasure. Personally strangers ; yet for 
years I have known some of you, — at least through your public lectures, authorship, and 
contributions to the English and American press: and I am exceedingly happy this 
evening in the privilege of clasping your warm hands, looking into your earnest 
faces, and coming into closer relationships with you socially and spiritually. Delegated 
by the " Universal Peace Society of America," planting my feet upon your soil, I held in 
my earnest right hand the olive-branch of peace; and the other day, numbering one of 
that thirty or forty thousand assembled in the Crystal Palace, and seeing suspended over 
those eight thousand choralists the national flags of England, Ireland, Scotland, and 
America, responding seemingly in holy quietness to the melody of Oliver Wendell 
Holmes's peace-hymn, so touchingly rendered at the Peace Jubilee in Boston, and 



IN FOREIGN LANDS. 219 

immortalized melodies from Handel, Mozart, Beethoven, Mendelssohn, Rossini, and other 
masters, my soul throbbed in gladness : and for the moment I fancied myself in Syrian 
lands, listening to the echoing refrain, " Peace on earth, and good-will toward men." 
Your own Lord Brougham said, " I abominate war, as unchristian. I hold it the greatest 
of human crimes." England and America, as elder and younger brother, united by the 
common sympathy of race, speaking one language, and connected by thousands of 
commercial interests, should never breathe the word war. All nations should settle 
their civil and intei'national differences by arbitration and congresses of nations. The 
genius of the age calls for the practice of these divine peace-principles." 

. . . '"I am very happy this evening in seeing before me Mrs. George Thompson. I 
speak of George Thompson as an old friend, never forgetting the pleasant conversation 
we held together at the residence of J. C. Woodman, Esq., Portland, Me.: in fact, 
there is a common sympathy, which tends to make our philosophy, our science, our 
spiritual gospel of reform, in this age a practical one ; and we should bring it down to 
every-day life, and live it, that others may see "our good works, and be led to glorify 
God." The principles of Spiritualism are marching on rapidly in America, and gaining 
attention in every circle of society. It has been estimated that there are eleven millions 
of Spiritualists in America: this, probably, includes those still in the churches, and 
whose religion simply recognizes the fact, that spirits can communicate. The lowest 
estimate, however, is four millions. We have a National Association, several State con- 
ventions, hundreds of organized societies and progressive lyceums, which that highly- 
illumined seer, Andrew Jackson Davis, first saw in the spirit-land. In these progressive 
lyceums, to the importance of which many of our American Spiritualists are not yet 
educated, our children are taught to develop their whole being, mentally, morally, phys- 
ically, and spiritually. The great power of the sectarian churches consists in warping 
and training the young in their superstitions and dogmas; and the Roman Catholics 
know, that, if they can get the charge of the children for the first few years, they need 
have no fear of their becoming Protestants, — a hint which Spiritualists should turn to 
good account. If we would liberalize the race, we must educate the young; and this 
Spiritualists should accomplish through children's progressive lyceums, progressive 
libraries, new educational institutions, the support of our periodical literature, and 
the encouragement of mediums and speakers: and thus the work of progress would go 
forward on a broad liberal basis of sympathy and harmony, laboring to educate and 
spiritualize ourselves and our race. 

'"The Rev. Mr. Bengough, M.A., of Christ's College, Cambridge, who has just 
taken his seat, deeply interested me, as did the subsequent stirring words of Rev. M. D. 
Conway, so well known in the Unitarian circles of America. His well-timed sentences 
reminded me of a half-day spent in the library of Emerson. . . . 

" ' Whittier says, " The destroyer should be the builder too; " and Carlyle insists, that 
he who "goes forth with a torch for burning," should also carry a "hammer for building." 
Many have yet to learn the full import of the term toleration, the meaning of the word 
charity. Intellectually we may, we necessarily must, differ ; but our hearts, all touched 
and tuned to the Christ principle of love, may beat as one. The angels do not ask, 
What do you believe V but, What do you do ? what are you life-aims ? what practical 
work have you wrought for humanity? ' " 

Mr. Peebles published editorially in " The Universe" lively descrip- 
tions of English scenes, entertainments, institutions, and civiliza- 
tions, continuing them throughout all his Eastern travels, — enough 



220 THE SPIRITUAL PILGRIM. 

to make a large volume, unlike any thing ever before written. Because 
of their historic researches and psychological conclusions, they are 
invaluable. At our suggestion, he contemplates writing a series of 
works, dating from his past and future travels, entitled, " The Spir- 
itual Philosophy of History." 

Learning that there are a hundred and sixty-five thousand paupers 
in the city of London, with their concomitant degradations glaring out 
on every side, — observing the rule, where royalty is, is poverty, 
the two extremes of society, — and painting an editorial picture of the 
cost of monarchical crowns, that of Queen Victoria being worth 
a hundred and twenty-one thousand pounds, he exclaims, " O Chris- 
tian England ! feed your hungry, educate your ignorant. . . . Queen 
Victoria, sell your crown, and give the proceeds to the honest, 
struggling poor ! " 

At the house of Mrs. Gregory, a literary Spiritualist, Mr. Peebles 
saw the photograph of the Catholic sister who was the instigator of 
the " Immaculate Conception." Her name is Bernadette, of Lour- 
des, among the Pyrenees, in the South of France. Mediumistically 
she saw the Virgin Mary seventeen times in a vision, who told her 
she was " immaculate." Priests hearing her confession, and per- 
ceiving the idea could be made a dogma profitable to the Church, de- 
clared her a saint. In grave council, the Catholic dignities pronounced 
it a dogma ; and quite sensible it is, provided it applies to all children 
conceived in spiritual love. 

In London, Mr. Peebles had an opportunity to corroborate the 
affirmations of his ancient spirits respecting civilizations, recalling 
his conversation with " Aphelion," who "lived 16,000 years ago." 
Calling on Dr. Birch, the Egyptologist of the British Museum, then 
reading hieroglyphs relating to the " Books of the Dead," he was 
informed, that, " the farther we go back in Egyptian history, the 
higher is the culture and civilization." 



CHAPTER XXVII. 

"LA BELLE FRANCE." 

" Star of the brave ! thy ray is pale ; 
Aud darkness must again prevail ! 
But, oh, thou rainbow of the free I " — Byron. 

Leaving London about the 1st of October, Mr. Peebles crossed the 
English Channel, from Dover to Calais, in a steamer good as the best, 
which he styles " filthy, and positively detestable." The project of 
tunneling the channel he made a matter of scientific prayer. The 
French soldiery, the peasants in their harvests, the luxurious gardens, 
the entrance into Paris, — " Queen of the Beautiful," — assured him 
he was surely iu a foreign land. " How unlike England ! " he ex- 
claimed. " There all is solid : here all is gay and volatile." During 
four weeks' residence in Paris, delighting his senses with the purity 
of its air and the floral exuberance of its fashionable streets, walking 
the Boulevards in meditation, he thus summed up the warning 
lesson of his prophecy in a letter to " The Universe," dated Oct. 6, 
1869,— 

" Paris is France. Sundays are its gala-days. The citizens are proud of their foun- 
tains, gardens, beautiful Boulevards, and massive libraries, — all open to the public. 
Under this display and grandeur, however, lies a maddened volcano. Its fire and flame 
already cause a half-subdued rumble. Gog and Magog are sharpening their weapons. 
That Napoleon's health is frail, none dispute. The sins of his youth are fruiting out into 
fearful pains and penalties. The grave invites his body to hasten : a rich worm-feast 
is promised. Then comes another revolution: mark the prophecy ! " 

Ere a year rolled by, what he prophetically foresaw is now fulfill- 
ing in the unparalleled war between France and Prussia, — Napo- 
leon a prisoner, the empire broken, Paris in a siege, a republic or- 
ganized ; and struggling for life, and all Europe in a political ferment. 
What the augury? Ask the spirit oracles. "Poor France! weep 
for Paris ! weep for the slain of thy sons and daughters ! She will 
rise again rejuvenated ! " 

221 



222 THE SPIRITUAL PILGRIM. 

Whilst in Paris, Mr. Peebles was the guest of Mr. Gledstanes, an 
English gentleman of position, engaged in Spiritual literature. Hav- 
ing traveled extensively in India and China, he gave him many valu- 
able items of Oriental politics and religion, for future discourse. He 
says, " I am ever at school, — a pupil." 

Leon Favre, then Consul-General of France, brother of the dis- 
tinguished Jules Favre, both Spiritualists, became his fast friend. 
They locked arm in arm, embosomed in deep friendship, his French 
brother descanting so fervently upon the "new religion." — "Fifty 
thousand, Monsieur Peebles, — fifty thousand Spiritualists in Paris 
alone ! " exclaimed he, with a rapture of light in his countenance ; 
and then, in graver aspect, he informed him of u a reign of blood 
close to the doors," — scenes which the spirits had sketched in proph- 
ecy, exactly as impressed Mr. Peebles whilst before walking the 
Boulevards. America had to emancipate her slaves on a crimson 
sea, ere the Spiritual religion could be planted : so France, with the 
guilt of fashion staining her moral character, enervated by luxury, 
can rise only by the force of arms, breaking her monarchy, and 
marching to education and liberty. 

In company with Mr. Gledstanes, he strolled into Petite Peres, 
Church of " Little Fathers ; " where M. Jean Baptiste Vianuey, Cure 
D' Ars, exercised his wonderful gifts of healing by the laying on of 
hands in the name of the Virgin Mary. The names of thousands he 
healed are there inscribed on elegant tablets : so the place was holy 
to him, not because of the temple, but because there holy deeds were 
done by spirit-power. 

But these deeds of the Catholic healer he found equaled, if not ex- 
celled, by those of Henri Auguste Jacob, of our Spiritualistic times. 

" Jacob was a Zouave and musician, playing upon the trombone while in the army. 
Having avoided intoxicating drinks, soldiers' slang, and other vices common to military 
life, and, withal, being very kind-hearted, he was exceedingly popular in the ranks of his 
fellow-soldiers. He is nearly six feet high, has black hair, dark hazel eyes, regular fea- 
tures, and a head rounding up in the coronal region, something like that of A. J. Davis. 
He is about forty years of age, and in religion nominally a Catholic. He sees spirits, feels 
their presence, and, guided by their inspiration, prays to them and God. Some twelve 
years since, while marching through the streets of Paris with his regiment, he saw a 
poor crippled child being drawn in a carriage by its parents. The child had not put its 
feet to the ground since it was two years of age. An irresistible influence seizing Jacob, 
he went to the child, and, placing his hands on it, said firmly, ' Get up and walk ; ' which, 
to the joy and astonishment of the parents, it did. Hundreds who were standing near 
witnessed this. The next day a score came to him, all of whom were healed or im- 
proved. 



"LA BELLE FRANCE." 223 

" The French are an excitable people. Soon hundreds flocked to him daily from all 
ranks of society, troubled with ' all manner of diseases,' as in Christ's time. It is calcu- 
lated that he cured fifteen out of every twenty who came to him. Impossible to receive 
the crowds in the barracks, a friend, M. Dufuget, a prominent citizen and merchant in 
Rue de La Roquese, opened his house, business-place, and workshop for the reception of 
sufferers. A thoroughly good man, M. Dufuget himself became developed as a healer. 
The throngs eventually increased to 2,000 a day. This blocking the streets, he was 
warned to desist. Not heeding the policemen's warning, he was arrested, and thrust into 
prison, — all of which might have been expected in Imperial France. How it reminds one 
of those old apostolic times, when Peter, James, and John, and others, exercising spir- 
itual gifts of healing, were ' cast into prison! ' Through the influence of friends, he was 
after a time released, remaining incog. If using his gifts, it was in private. Prejudice 
gradually gave way. . . . 

" Five minutes before the hour for healing, he steps into the room, takes a peculiar atti- 
tude, clasps his hands, requests perfect silence, and, asking them all to engage in silent 
prayer, he departs. He is naturally a reticent man. Coming into the presence of his 
patients the second time, he looks at each intently (not alkvsving them to speak or point 
out their ailments), and then touching each, tells what he can and can not do for them. 
His powers are much greater when there is a throng present. He does not insist that 
people are healed when they are not. His remarkable powers, he continually affirms, 
come from God, through good spirits and angels. The masses that come to him are of the 
common people. It was the ' common people ' in Bible times that ' heard Jesus gladly,' 
— fishermen and herdsmen. This is the ' second,' the continuous coming of Christ. . . . 
" None accuse him of being mercenary. His mission is an important one; and he is 
working it out beautifully, for the good of humanity. Blessings upon the French 
Zouave! " 

Knowing that the enlightened governments are Spiritualistic, in 
America the people accepting the new religion, and in Europe the 
kings and queens, he writes, " Alexander II., of Russia, is worthy 
of his title, — ' liberating father/ The emancipation of millions of 
serfs was concordant with the genius of Spiritualism. The angels 
ordered it : they are our saviors ! " 

Departing from England was leaving brain ; coming to France was 
finding heart. With M. Pierart, the scholarly editor of the " Re- 
vue Spiritualiste," and author of the popular "Drama of Waterloo," 
he eujoyed a feast of soul, — everybody was so polite, so obliging ! 
Anna Blackwell, a lady of high social position as a literary writer, 
introduced him to Madame Kardec, the " beloved " of Allan Kardec, 
whose works are so valuable for reference on the question of re- 
incarnation ; and there he procured, and subsequently published, the 
remarkable career of this medium, known for his virtues. 

Introduced to M. Pierart, a scholarly Frenchman, he was again 
reminded of the truthful words of " Aphelion," inspiring deeper 
confidence at every step in life in the wisdom and fidelity of his 



224 THE SPIRITUAL PILGRIM. 

spirit-band, encircling him so lovingly during those foreign experi- 
ences. This savan said, — 

"Egyptian civilization was in a hight of glory 15,000 B.C. There was no adultery. 
Marriage was probationary seven years : if then agreeable, to continue fourteen years; 
and then, if desirable, through life. After fourteen years, no separation. Children of 
divorced parents took the mother's name, and were the intellectual and moral property of 
the government, educated at the public expense. 'Plato,' he added, 'drew his best 
conceptions from those ancient Egyptians.' " 

On hearing these statements, Mr. Peebles exclaimed to himself, — 
" O Egyptian hierophauts ! lead me to your sunny clime, and teach 
me the wisdom of modesty ! " 

Under the courteous escort of Baron de La Taille des Essarts, 
celebrated for mediumship, Mr. Peebles rode through the panoramic 
scenes of the country, passing the Park St. Cloud, the River Seine, 
Montmartre, Arc de Triomphe, Place de La Concorde, Notre Dame, 
Hotel des Invalides, the Pantheon, flower-gardens, and fountains. 
He said of this journey to Versailles, " In fulfillment of a spirit- 
prophecy, this is one of the happiest days with which the Infinite 
Father has ever blest me." A prophecy f Yes : long years ago, in 
his early Spiritual experience with Dr. Dunn, Madame Elizabeth 
promised him the privilege of visiting the scenes of her earthly home 
in the palaces of the kings in Versailles. Thither now ! "Is not 
destiny a reality?" he asks. " Are we not the subjects of higher 
powers? Do not angels shape our lives as do geographers meridian 
lines?" 

He walked in those " six miles of picture-galleries in these old 
Bourbon palaces, — finest in the world ! " Here he found a picture of 
the angel as she was in her girlhood, copies of which he procured 
for such a worship as a loving heart only knows how to offer in ac- 
ceptable service. Mr. Peebles argues the claims of the Bourbons ! 
Why? Ask " Queen of Morn" — why. 

" There is a grandeur in the soul that dares 
To live out all the life God lit within." 

Weeks rolled by with the swiftness of days amid the gayeties of 
Paris ; but " Stay no longer " came the spirit-order : " hurry to Asia." 
On the way, via Lyons, he entered the valley of the Rhone, charmed 
with its beauty, ruined walls, and castles of feudal times, querying 
as to the cause of such blight ; when, tracing it to the Church, he ex- 
claimed, "God save America from Roman Catholicism, or any other 



"LA BELLE FRANCE." 225 

priestly power ! " In that manufacturing city, after visiting the mu- 
seum, botanical gardens, halls of sculpture, and St. Pierre University, 
— the u redemptive agencies of Lyons," — he paused before the Place 
de Serreaux, where in 1794 so many were sacrificed to the so-called 
Goddess of Liberty by the guillotine ; when the shout of " Down 
with the Bourbons ! " was followed by a dynasty more fearful and 
bloody. He seemed to hear the cry of martyrs from the ground, 
pleading " for free education to all the masses as the only safe guar- 
antee of equal rights. Change the shout to ' Down with Popes ! ' 
and burn all guillotines ! " 

Stopping a few hours at Marseilles, he improved them by a survey 
of its spacious harbor, its vineyards, and olive orchards, the crowds 
of idle men and women, the Catholic priests parading the streets in 
gorgeous gowns and robes, himself the gazed of all the gazers ; for his 
disgust of such lassitude made him taller in dignity than ever. 

His steamer, classically named " Ilissus," was to him the world in 
miniature ; for among the passengers were Sicilians, Frenchmen, 
Greeks, Nubians, Syrians, Arabs, Armenians, himself a long- 
bearded " Spiritual Pilgrim," of America, — all attired in their sev- 
eral national costumes. That suited him exactly, — " unity in diver- 
sity : there I studied God ! " 

Selecting from the many idioms, he there most heartily indorsed 
the opinion of Madame de Stael ; who said, — 

"If I were mistress of fifty languages, I would think in the deep German, converse 
in the gay French, write in the copious English, sing in the majestic Spanish, deliver in 
the noble Greek, and make love in the soft Italian." 

Entering the straits of Bonifaccio, they sailed by the shore of Cor- 
sica ; when the very air seemed to report the destiny of bloody 
heroes, of which the fated Napoleon the First is an example. Re- 
membering he was commissioned to the Old World as a peace repre- 
sentative, he wrote, — 

" My mind reverted to that ' man of destiny, born and nurtured on this rugged 
shore, whose star, after culminating to the zenith, sank extinguished in blood at Water- 
loo, to rise no more. Was war well for him '? was it well for English Roundheads to 
behead Charles I.? was it good in the excitable French to murder Louis XVI. , Maria 
Antoinette, and the sainted Madame Elizabeth? .... Kindly-tempered justice, good- 
ness, and love are the only redemptive powers in the universe. ' Love your enemies: 
bless, and curse not! ' said the sweet-souled Nazarene." 

Seeing Caprari on the north and east, where Garibaldi retired 
15 



226 THE SPIRITUAL PILGRIM. 

to the quiet of a farmer's life, after gaining a crown for Victor 
Emanuel, he said in one of his letters, " Italians will never rest 
in spirit till Pius IX. is dethroned, and Italia' s sun shines upon a 
united Italy, with Rome for its capital." Little did he then think, 
whilst sailing the Mediterranean, that within a year nearly all these 
prophetic words would be literally fulfilled. Let us keep records 
of prophecies : they are banners of liberty to the revolutionists. 

What a history soon rolled wave-like over the memory J Piraaus, 
the port of Greece, beckoned him : there was Salami's just past it ; 
and off that coast the valiant Greeks defeated the Persian fleet of 
Xerxes, 480 B.C. In imagination he saw the battle, and saddened 
at the thought, that two thousand years of Christianity have not since 
obliterated the curse of war. Has not the force that built up Greece 
blasted its prowess? So he reasoned. Landing and sensing the 
decay around him, he exclaimed, " The Greeks of to-day are ancient 
Greeks no more! What wrought the change?" — "Ask dead 
priests ! " solemnly whispered a spirit by his side. He stood be- 
fore the Acropolis at Athens, passed up the propillion, or grand 
entrance, and surveyed Mars Hill, where Paul preached the "Un- 
known God" to the Athenians; touched the massive pillars of 
Bacchus, spiring above the ruins ; gazed down into the subterranean 
passage leading from this temple of spirit-rites into the vast amphi- 
theater. What a hollow sound ! Do not the dead voice their sor- 
row here? 

" Let there be light ! said Liberty; 
And, like sunrise from the sea, 
Athens arose ! — Around her born, 
Shone like mountains in the morn, 
Glorious States; and are they now 
Ashes, wrecks, oblivion ? " 

He found the ruins of the temple of Minerva, the temple 
of the Winds, the temple of the Muses, and the temple of Jupiter 
Olympus, " many of whose proud columns," he writes, " having 
defied the storms and devastating forces of time, remain as standing 
signals of architectural splendor and perfection." There, too, were 
the remains of Hadrian's Arch, the bed of the Ilissus, the monu- 
ment of Lysicrates, the theater of Bacchus, the temple of Theseus, 
the magnificent Parthenon T and the shattered arts of Pericles and 
Phidias, " stripped by Venetian, by Turk, by earthquake, by time, 
by Lord Elgin for the British Museum, still serene in their inde- 
structible beauty." 



"LA BELLE FRANCE." 227 

" Fair Greece ! sad relic of departed worth I 
Immortal, though no more; though fallen, great! 
. . . Oh ! who that gallant spirit shall resume, 
Leap from Eurostas' hanks, and call thee from the tomb ?" 

Studying the causes of such magnificence, even in ruins, tracing 
the life-links of civilizations to configurations and climatic magnet- 
isms of country, shaped and toned into practical order by civil and 
religious institutions, he credited the master spirits that anciently 
inspired scientific Spiritualists to think, to construct, to dare. He 
writes, — 

" Under the shadow of an unspiritual church, science was neglected, the oracles 
abandoned, and Grecian civilization recoiled into brooding silence among these ruins ! 
What is required, then? Philosophy with phenomena, science with marvel, and reason 
crowning all. I stood over the prison-cave where the Greeks confined the Spiritualistic 
Socrates, the iron gate still there, — a gloomy den, to converse with a Crito and an 
Alcibiades. Juclea and Greece awarded to their inspired teachers crosses and hemlock 
draughts. Such was gratitude ! Have the times only in methods greatly changed? 

. ..." It seemed strange to walk the streets of Athens, and compare its sparse and 
degenerate five thousand inhabitants with its enlightened and cultured populace of long 
ago. There stands the Parthenon, unrivaled still. There are to be found the relics of 
architecture, poetry, and sculpture, that tell of the transcendent genius of those departed 
masters. To-day our scholars and our devotees of the fine arts flock to that ancient 
seat of genius and learning, to borrow the inspiration that seems even yet to sanctify 
the place. From these testimonies to intellects whose incarnate forms have long since 
vanished off the earth, we turn and look upon the present living people, and ask our- 
selves, Is this progress? — these degenerate descendants of illustrious ancestors? Prog- 
ress, triumphant elseAvhere, stands aloof from Greece ; only retrogression there. From 
Athens I desired to go back to Marathon and Corinth, but was told that it would be 
unsafe ; for brigandage is rife in that region, and is secretly countenanced by the officials 
of the country." 

Boarding the steamer again, he entered the Dardanelles, the ancient 
Hellespont, and glided close to the crumbled ruins of historic Troy, 
where blind Homer begged his bread, — a beggar once, now what? 
Oh, why must all great geniuses be crucified, ere they can be justly 
esteemed? Up the Hellespont. " There, right there, is the locality," 
said the captain, " where Byron swam across these waters, May 3, 
1810, from Sestos to Abyclos ; where the young Venetian, Leander, 
years before him, performed the feat, to secure the hand of his lady- 
love." Byron records it, — 

'* He swam for love, and I for glory." 



CHAPTER XXVIII. 

PILGRIMAGE IN THE ORIENT. 

" 'Tis the clime of the East, 'tis the land of the sun ! 
Can he smile on such deeds as his children have done ? " 

" Government, like dress, is the badge of lost innocence : the palaces of kings are built 
on the ruins of the bowers of paradise." — Thomas Paine. 

One October morning, at its first gray, our " Pilgrim " sailed 
around the Golden Horn, and lo, Constantinople ! Describing the 
scene in an editorial, he says, — 

" The sun now colors the eastern sky with gold. Eising, it tips and turns the minarets 
to fire. The buildings, the vessels, the mosques, are all illuminated. 

" If Geneva has been called the proud, and Naples the beautiful, Constantinople may 
rightly claim for herself the title of magnificent. Seated in gardens, it is not strange 
Constantine should have desired to have removed the capital of the Eoman Empire to 
the site occupied by this imperial city. No soul alive to the beautiful in nature, or the 
exquisite in art, could fail of admiring its lofty and imposing position, its domes, its 
minarets, its sheltering groves of cypress, its hills in the distance, now crimsoning into 
the sear of autumn, and the blue waters that lie at the feet of those Moslem splendors. 
. . . The Sea of Marmora is deep and beautiful. . . . What a magnificent harbor it 
would make, with Constantinople for the central capital of Europe, Asia, and Africa! " 

The conception of such a capital is grand : the future will tell 
whether it is prophetic. Surveying the tower at Pera, the flotilla 
upon the Golden Horn, the Bosphorus with its suburban villages, 
the palaces of the Sultan, the peopled hillsides upon the Asian 
coast, the hospital scene of Florence Nightingale's womanly work 
during the Crimean war, he shouted aloud on the deck of the steamer, 
" What a great, cosmopolitan city I my soul thrills with intense 
delight ! " But 

" Distance lends enchantment to the view." 

Landing, the spell vanished. 

228 



PILGRIMAGE IN THE ORIENT. 229 

"No omnibuses," he says, "no conveyances of any sort, offered us their accommo- 
dations; only sedan-chairs were on hand for the ladies, and hammals for the carrying 
of trunks. The most obvious feature of this city is its dogs. Constantinople is the 
dog's paradise. There are two ways in which you can insult a Turk, viz., spit on his 
beard, or kick a dog; for that animal is sacred: the bark of a dog once saved the city, 
by betraying the enemy." 

Of his observations and experiences in Constantinople, this is his 
statement, reported in " The Universe," — 

" The religion of these Moslem millions, little understood and frequently misrepre- 
sented, is in one of its theoretical aspects, at least, eminently Unitarian. Their first 
article of belief declares, that ' God is great: there is but one God, Allah! ' Moham- 
medanism is not a comparatively new religion. M. de Percival, speaking of its anti- 
quity, says, ' This was not a new religion which Mohammed announced, but the ancient 
religion of Abraham restored to its primitive purity.' The prejudices of Christians are 
heartless and soulless. That the followers of Mohammed ' do not believe women have 
souls ' is an imported missionary falsehood, black as night ; that they do not permit 
their women to go into their mosques for prayers and worship is another pious falsehood 
equally malicious. With a good pair of eyes, we saw them bowing, kneeling, worship- 
ing in the Mosque of St. Sophia, and also in that magnificent one erected by Sultan 
Ahmed. That they practise polygamy is true, though in a moderate degree compared 
with the ' wisest man ' of the Bible, — Solomon. They profess to get their authority for 
having a plurality of wives from the Old Testament. Christian writers have approved 
of it. St. Augustine observes, that ' there was a blameless custom of one man having 
many wives; which at that early time might be done in a. way of duty.' Pope Gregory, 
in the year 726, justified polygamy in some cases. Bernardo Ochinus, a Christian 
writer of the sixteenth century, published dialogues in favor of the practice. The 
celebrated Christian poet, John Milton, defended polygamy in his ' Treatise on Christian 
Doctrine ' (p. 237, et seq.). After quoting several passages from the Bible in favor of the 
practice, he says, ' Moreover, God (Ezek. xxiii. ) represents himself as having two wives, 
Aholah and Aholiah, — a mode of speaking which Jehovah would by no means have 
employed, if the practice which it implied had been intrinsically dishonorable or 
shameful.' Spiritualists do not advocate the right, nor believe in the practice, of such 
sensualism. 

" The Mohammedans recognize both dispensations, — the Jewish and the Christian. 
The more intelligent followers of Mohammed always speak reverently of Jesus of 
Nazareth, regarding him as an inspired prophet, sent to teach. Mohammed, they assure 
us, was the promised 'comforter' that 'should come.' They insist that our Christian 
Scriptures have been thoroughly corrupted in the original text. This few scholars 
doubt. The Moslems further say, that in the palace, the old Seraglio, there were, 
among others, a hundred and twenty large Greek manuscripts and important commen- 
taries upon the New Testament by the early church fathers. The Roman Catholics 
believe this, and have offered large rewards to obtain them. The Koran is made up 
largely from the Old and New Testaments, united with the doctrines of the Magi and 
Soofees, of Persia and Arabia, and the teachings of the angel Gabriel, who frequently 
visited the prophet Mohammed. 

" Literally speaking, the Sultan is the head of the Mohammedan religion. He never 
fails of repairing to the mosque on Friday. Next to him come the moolahs and muftis, 
corresponding to churchal bishops, and then the ulemas, who are their priests. They 



230 THE SPIEITUAL PILGEIM. 

have no fixed ritual. In all countries -worshiping the Crescent, they bow towards 
Mecca, the Holy City, and put their faces to the ground when pronouncing the word 
Allah. Friday is their holy day. With the face toward Mecca, the worshipers bow 
forward, placing their hands at the sides of the head, covering the ears, signifying, 
' May no depraved word reach my ears ! ' then bow forward again, covering the eyes, 
meaning, ' May no sight of evil reach my eyes ! ' then the hands are laid upon the 
breast, the body bent reverently forward as before, in token of acknowledgment, that 
' Mohammed is the prophet of God ; ' last, the hands are extended toward the ground, 
the body lower bent than in the previous positions, indicating adoration of Allah, ' There 
is no God but God; and Mohammed is his prophet.' " 

So beautiful and significant is this prayer, our " Pilgrim " delights 
to repeat it in deep sincerity, and to adopt the Moslem form of 
social greeting, placing the hand quickly upon the forehead, recog- 
nizing God as witness ; then upon the heart, recognizing Mohammed 
as an inspired prophet of God ; then grasping a neighbor's hand so 
cordially, as if to say, " I greet thee in peace." 

One day, near the hour of twelve, M., he ascended a minaret, sur- 
veying the city below ; when the muzzein came out from near the sum- 
mit, summoning the people to prayer, intoning the words in a plaintive 
cadence, " Allah Akbar, Allah Akbar, La ilia il Allah, Mohammed re- 
soul, Allah, Allah, Akbar ! " He knew not the meaning ; and yet 
standing in silence, he caught the spirit of devotion from the high min- 
aret, and repeated in English, u God is great. There is no God but God, 
and Mohammed is the prophet of God. Come to prayer : come to se- 
curity and peace. God is great. Tliere is no God but God." Morn- 
ings he heard the muzzein's cry, u Awake, aiuake, and pray ! It is 
better to pray than to sleep. There is no God but Allah." And the 
spirit of the summons he invariably obeyed, feeling the need of a 
similar custom in Christian lands, — a call upon the people to prayer 
with the angels ; and he would have this trinity evoked, — God, angels, 
humanity : " God is love, angels are his messengers, and humanity 
is his prophet." Speaking of the character of the Mohammedans, 
he writes, — 

" All good and true Mussulmans go to some mosque; where thei*e is something cor- 
responding to a discourse, although the most of the service consists in repeating and 
chanting portions of the Koran. The Turks are perfectly Catholic in feeling, freely 
tolerating all religions in their country. It is universally conceded here in the East, that 
the old Mohammedans, in no way tinctured with the Christian civilization of Europe, 
are the most honorable people in the world. The present Sultan neither smokes, nor 
tastes of liquors nor wines. I should feel infinitely safer in a dark midnight hour, wan- 
. dering among straggling Turks, than in the drunken ' Five Points ' of New York, the 
' Haymarket ' of London, or anywhere in Christian Spain. . . . Among the natives 



PILGRIMAGE IN THE ORIENT. 231 

here, I met many who are Spiritualists, and was the recipient of then* hospitality. 
The Turks are a wondrously hospitable people. When you enter the house of a Turk, 
he provides you with a mat, urges you to partake of his coffee and fruits, saying, 
' My wives are your servants. I am your slave. My house is your house. All I have is 
thine. I greet thee in peace.' Such is the hospitable nature of these people, that to- 
day I could travel all over Turkey at little or no cost beyond the pay of an interpre- 
ter. The better classes, however, live back in the country." 

Having received his Exequatur from the Turkish government, in 
recognition of his consulship, he was now able to find access to political 
and religious authorities, moving in their ranks, the better to glean the 
information for which he came to Oriental lauds. The Suez Canal 
was about to be opened. The occasion brought to Constantinople sev- 
eral imperial dignitaries from Europe ; and among them was Francis 
Joseph, Emperor of Austria ; also Prince Amadeus, son of the king, 
known as Duke of Aosta, since elected king of revolutionized Spain, 
and the Crown Prince of Prussia, alias Frederic William, with all 
of whom he had the pleasure of forming acquaintance. Prince 
Amadeus wished information concerning the different phases spiritism 
had assumed in America. 

With the Crown Prince, standing unshod, he witnessed the worship 
of the dancing and howling Dervishes, cutting themselves with knives 
in monstrous gashes, but the next moment healed by the magnetic 
touch of the sheik. They walked upon the sick, pathetized them, 
made them put their hands within " Mohammed's brass hand," and, 
wonderful to know, were instantly restored ! On talking with this 
and other venerable sheiks, on other occasions, he was surprised to 
learn, that these wild worshipers fasted before coming into these sa- 
cred circles ; that the origin of their worship was spiritual, in obedi- 
ence to the same laws practised in America and Europe, under the 
enlightenments of science. Taking notes of these and other facts, 
he there resolved to write the " Spiritual History of the Mohamme- 
dan Religions," that the Christian world may no longer falsify with 
impunity the Spiritualism of Mohammed. 

The Crown Prince stood by Mr. Peebles in the Mosque of St. 
Sophia : they conversed freely and responsively of the " new reli- 
gion." The Prince iuvited his friend to Prussia. Mr. Peebles looked 
deep into his soul, as if there to read the future destiny of his gallant 
country. They parted in the Crescent City, — the " Pilgrim " to go on 
his errand of peace, the Prince to prepare for war against France ! 



232 THE SPIKITTJAL PILGRIM. 

The French Empress having arrived in Constantinople en route for 
the Suez Canal, Her Imperial Majesty, the Emperor of Austria, and 
other official personages, were specially invited to attend worship with 
the Sultan on Friday, the Mussulman's Sunday. Just before twelve, 
from the minaret of the palace, the muzzein called the faithful to 
prayer at Dolma-Baktche ; then moved the grand procession, ac- 
cording to rank, — Empress and Emperor, Dukes, Princes, Ambassa- 
dors, Ministers, Consuls, Pashas, on Arab steeds, the Sultan with 
body-guards from all races in the Empire. How strange a sight ! — 
Mr. Peebles among these officials, attired in courtly Turkish cos- 
tume, going to the worship of Allah ! Writing of this pageant, Mr. 
Peebles says, — 

" The shipping was gay with colors, flags, and banners. Everybody seemed to be in 
the narrow, dirty streets, — cripples and beggars pleading for piasters, flaunting their rags 
in the presence of lace, red tape, and royalty : it roused my American blood to a high 
pitch of excitement. How long, oh ! how long, is pampered royalty, kingcraft, and 
priestcraft to crush the lowly, continue caste, and curse the earth ? . . . Remember that 
Christian nations uphold this Sultan's throne as the French bayonets do the pope's! . . . 
Can there be a more hateful theological mongrel, a more horrid moral spectacle, than 
effete Mohammedanism veneered and polished with French Catholicism ? . . . . 

" It was little pleasure to see, and less to be officially ' toted round,' mingling in that 
gay throng of rulers and diplomats. The forms of l-eception, the display, the pageantry, 
were so anti- American; the salutes from the land-batteries, the thundering o£ cannon, 
the flag-dressed men-of-war, were so repulsive to my peace principles, — saying nothing 
of the military bands, and the review of thirty thousand Turkish troops, — that I longed 
to get away from plumes, feathers, and epaulettes, away from gilded buttons, dangling 
swords, red ribbons, and the glittering trappings of royalty, away into my library, or 
on some mountain, with God, angels, and birds. Is the story, — the Christian world's 
prophet-songs of the ' Prince of Peace,' and a millennium of love and harmony, — all a 
dream? What hinders the consummation? Kingcraft, priestcraft, ignorance. Down 
on them ! Too long have they cursed this world, made so beautiful by the Father of all. 
Put down kings, and put up the people ! People implies men and women. I repeat, 
Put down all princes, potentates, and powers that subsist upon the SAveat of honest in- 
dustry! put them down, not by revolutions, not by frantic mobs, not by sword and 
blood, but by educating the people, all the people — to govern themselves, self-govern- 
ment lying at the foundation of all government. 

" Though forced by circumstances, now and then, into the midst of consulate officials 
and princely rulers, my heart is with the poor, with the suffering, with God's dear 
humanity. If this is not good consul talk, it is certainly practical, and comes from a 
soul that throbs in deepest sympathy with every conscious intelligence of earth and 
heaven. 

' Wandering by the classic river 
In its soft mysterious flow; 
Murmuring, as it rolls for ever, 
Of the myths of long ago. 



PILGRIMAGE IN THE ORIENT. 233 

' From maDy a proud cathedral, 
Turkish mosque and minaret, 
Turn mine eyes with fond devotion 
To the brow of Olivet. ' 

" They turn thither, because from under those olive-trees speaks a brother; whose 
yoice, echoing along the uneven spaces of nearly two thousand years, says, ' My kingdom 
is not of this world.' ' I testify of myself.' ' My peace I leave with you.' " 

Among other happy acquaintances formed in Constantinople, he 
mentions M. Repos, a French attorney, a zealous Spiritist ; and 
M. Sillerman, a Spiritualist, in a German mercantile estab- 
lishment, and from them learned how rapidly Spiritualism is 
diffusing itself in Asia Minor and Syria. He found excellent media 
in Constantinople, and, invited, addressed the Spiritualists in the hall 
of the Ghambre de Commerce ; and their interest was truly inspiring. 

In Stamboul, the Turkish portion of Constantinople, Mr. 
Peebles noticed an Egyptian obelisk, having inscriptions engraved 
five hundred years before Christ, freshly representing the Delphian 
Tripod. There, too, was a spring once flowing, over which the Tripod 
was placed ; on which sat a mediumistic priestess, invoking some god 
or goddess of Delphi, uttering oracular words of inspiration. 
Everywhere he found the relics of ancient Spiritualism, reviving 
now in more practical form. 

It is Mr. Peebles's custom in visiting cities, especially in foreign 
lands, to inspect their cemeteries ; where the traveler accurately can 
decipher in the inscriptions upon tombs and graves the plane of re- 
ligion, and the hope of the bereft. He thus poetically relates an 
incident coming under his eye whilst in the cemetery of Scutari, 
near Constantinople, — 

"It was a calm October day, afar up the Levant. For several hours I had been 
wandering in that famous Mohammedan burying-ground, Scutari, Asia. This ceme- 
tery, three miles in length, and somewhat irregular in shape, is tastefully surrounded 
and beautifully shaded with tall cypresses. The scenery was so strange, so half-entran- 
cing, that time passed unheeded. The sun now low in the West, I left the speaking 
monuments of mortality around me, and hastening to the shores of the Bosphorus, to 
take the steamer for Constantinople, saw a venerable appearing Turk, tall and turbaned, 
distributing coins and fruits to a group of ragged children standing by the wayside 
begging. The beneficence was as suggestive as patriarchal. When through with the 
deed of mercy, several of the children, stepping forward, bowed, and kissed the giver's 
withered hand. Smiling, he asked Allah to bless them, and then passed quietly on his 
way. The scene, purely Oriental, so touched my heart that my eyes were immedi- 
ately suffused with tears. It was a moment of transfiguration. Under the inspiration, 
my soul so warmed into love and sympathy for humanity, that I, too, in spirit, kissed 



234 THE SPIRITUAL PILGRIM. 

the old man's hand, — hissed, knowing it to be the hand of Ishmael, wrongfully said to be 
'against every man.' Ay, God, whether known as Brahm, Allah, or Father, is good. 
Human nature is good: all is good; and love is omnipotent. Seldom offending the 
critics with attempts at rhyme, because believing most efforts to voice sentiments in poetry 
could be better expressed by the use of plain, substantial prose, I trust to the kindly 
nature of the reader this once for the following: — 

" The Orient sheds its shimmering haze 

O'er field and garden, sea and isle; 
And Asia's arch is red with rays 

That turn to gold each Islam pile. 
My heart is filled with warmth again : 

I feel for Moslems in their thrall; 
I only hate the hate of men; 

I love the heart that loveth all. 

Each soul hath stemmed some fearful storm; 

Each heart is chafed with wasting scar : 
My life-boat wrecked in manhood's morn 

Now drifteth like a shooting star. 
But oh I I have not lost the power 

Of sympathy at sorrow's call ; 
For love inspires each fading hour, — 

That love which feels, then gives to all. 

Oh ! think it not a vain conceit, 

That angel-echoes linger still 
In hearts whose chords of music sweet 

The pangs of earth can never chill. 
Ay, there are souls with holy love, 

"Who like the circling stars may fall; 
But, falling, rise to heaven above : 

I kiss the hand that helpeth all." 

About the 1st of November, 1869, Mr. Peebles expected to arrive at 
Trebisond, Asia, to enter upon his official duties. He soon grew 
restless, in these Turkish cities, of so much filth. He reports him- 
self to American readers, through " The Universe," after this 
style : — 

" Are not Americans naturally nomadic? A year ago last March, I sat in an Indian 
peace council, with the Congressional Committee and several army generals, at the con- 
fluence of the North and South Platte Eivers, in those Colorado regions. The week 
following I was on the summit of the Rocky Mountains, standing on the highest 
railroad eminence between the two oceans. To-day I am near the eastern extremity of 
the Black Sea in Asia; and what of it? Where next? Why live in the world and 
never see it? 

' Behold, we live through all things, — famine, thirst, 
Bereavement, pain, all grief and misery, 
All woe and sorrow : life inflicts its worst 

On soul and body; but we cannot die, 
Though we be sick and tired and faint and worn. 
Lo ! all things can be borne.' 



PILGRIMAGE IN THE ORIENT. 235 

" Trebisond is an important fortified seaport town of some fifty thousand inhabitants, 
over thirty thousand of whom are Mohammedans. The old city was built upon a 
sloping hill, facing the east. The lower portion is horribly shabby and filthy. The 
Turks have been on the descending portion of the cycle of progress for centuries. 
Within the walls are old ruins and mossed monasteries, — remnants of Grecian and 
Mohammedan wars. The nationality of the city is Turkish. The intermingling medley 
is composed of Persians, Arabians, Georgians, Armenians, and some Mesopotamian 
wanderers. It is a choice place to study the Shemitic world in its decline. The English 
shipping is comparatively small, the American virtually nothing. The houses are of 
stone, and in style Asiatic, with roofs nearly flat, covered with tiles. They are gener- 
ally surrounded by small gardens, some of wl'.icli are very neat, and tastefully arranged. 
The business streets are narrow, crooked, and disgustingly filthy. Packs of clogs — 
sacred animals with the more ignorant Turks — : are the scavengers. The city contains 
twenty mosques, and nearly as many Greek churches, the worship in which corre- 
sponds with the Roman Catholic. The Greek Christians, however, deny the authority of 
the Pope and the papal power of the West. From the year 1203 till the subversion of 
the Eastern Empire, Trebisond was the capital of an extensive dominion, reaching from 
the Phasis to Halys. 

" Mr. Palgraves, the gentlemanly English consul in Trebisond, and a ripe Oriental 
scholar, has been to Mecca, explored Central Arabia, and made himself thoroughly ac- 
quainted with Persia, together with the nations lying east of it. He speaks thirty 
lauguages. No one would do well to talk of Greek originality in his presence. Have 
the so-called enlightened ages given the world any thing new in the line of morals or 
metaphysics for the past two thousand five hundred years'? That's the question. 
Russia, France, Prussia, and other European nations, have consuls located in Trebisond. 

"The American consulate was created with the design of opening an extensive 
trade with Persia and contiguous nations. Treaties and methods to this effect were 
discussed under Buchanan's administration, but never adopted. The position is of 
little importance compared to that of Constantinople. A railroad is now in process 
of construction from the eastern borders of the Black Sea to the Caspian. One hundred 
miles are already completed. Russians own the stock. Besides vast quantities of 
bitumen and kindred stibstances south-east of the Black Sea and along the borders of the 
Caspian, there are petroleum oil-springs bubbling up in various localities, thus proph- 
esying of inexhaustible stores. They are worked, so we are informed, in a most 
clumsy manner. The Turks are very jealous of the ' Franks,' and fearful of English 
and American enterprise. American ingenuity and energy may yet develop these 
treasures, and others, under Asiatic skies. Asia Minor is exceedingly rich in minerals 
of various kinds. The coal-mines are immeasurable. Lead ore yields seventy-five per 
cent. There are silver and copper mines. Wild fruits, figs, pomegranates, olives, grapes, 
&c, abound in great luxuriance. There is perhaps no country upon the globe, if we 
except Africa, so little understood or appreciated as this portion of the Asiatic world. . . 

" Decline and decay characterize the present Turkish nation. A deathly torpor has 
seized its vitals. It is truly the ' sick man ' of the Orient. Russia wants the vast do- 
main. England and France say, ' Hands off! ' Prussia and the central nations of 
Europe think it well to maintain the balance of power as it is. May not the more 
modernized phase of Turkish theology have something to do with this stupor? The 
Moslems are fatalists. One article of their faith reads thus (see J. P. Brown's Derv., 
p. 11., pars. 5-6): — 

" ' It is God who fixes the will of man ; and he is therefore not free in his actions. There does 
not really exist any difference between good and evil; for all is reduced to unity: and God 
is the real author of the acts of mankind.' 



236 THE SPIRITUAL PILGRIM. 

"These are square statements. We relish them, because entirely free from those 
bungling twistings and turnings that distinguish Calvinists and certain Spiritualists, 
who hold and advocate the same doctrine. Fatalism in this bald form is considered by 
a large class of progressive Moslems as an innovation, however, and other than an ori- 
ginal dogma. The only hope for Turkey is, to inaugurate a vigorous system of education. 
The Sultan, when visiting France, doubtless became aware of this ; accordingly, within 
a few weeks, a new educational code has leapt, like Minerva, fully armed, from Sultan 
Abdul Aziz-Khan's brain. The course of public instruction marked out by the Porte 
is exceedingly elaborate, including primary and preparatory departments, normal 
schools, and universities." 

Noting the hospitality of the Turks, their earnest devotions, their 
fidelity to nationality, their natural vivacity and honesty, their absti- 
nence from " swine's flesh and wines," their religious toleration, their 
mediumistic qualifications, their revered relics of an original, pure 
spirituality, and contrasting these with governmental corruption and 
bribery, with enormous taxation upon the people to build and support 
palaces and harems, with the insipid condition of the women, — the 
future mothers, enslaved to men's pleasures and passions, — survey- 
ing all this, and considering a remedy, he prints these telling words, — 

" The complete overthrow of all authoritative polygamy-sanctioning Bibles — such 
as the Old Testament of Jews and Christians, and the polygamy of the Koran — is 
the first step towards inaugurating reform movements in these Eastern countries. Then, 
instead of sending whining, lazy, money-making missionaries from America, to convert 
Mussulmans to sectarian Christianity, send the American plow and the American 
schoolhouse, American enterprise and American Elizabeth Stantons, to advocate wo- 
man's rights, woman's suffrage, woman's equality with man." 

Smyrna, where was located one of the seven churches of Asia, 
to which the apocalyptic angel promised " a crown of life " if she 
continued " faithful," contains 200.000 souls ; and among them 
walked one day our lonely " Pilgrim," in quest of Polycarp's tomb, — 
Polycarp, the martyr and bishop, and " friend of John the Beloved." 
Mr. Peebles stood over it in deep reverie. What emotions thrilled 
him ! He seemed to hear the voice of the burning bush at Mount 
Horeb, " Take off thy sandals ; for the place whereon thou standest is 
holy ground ! " These were some of his inspirations : — 

" At my feet have lain matchless ruins, and rolled tideless rivers; around me have 
stood monuments of valor and patriotism, and the scattered remnants of Hellenic gran- 
deur ; such was Greece to me : but here, under Asian skies, on this November day, moun- 
tains bear winter upon their heads, spring upon their shoulders, autumn upon their 
bosoms; while summer, with bud and blossom, is ever resting at their feet. How natu- 
rally adapted all these regions to poesy and prophecy ! Such lands ever produce seers, 
seeresses, and sibylline oracles. How sacred is this place ! " 



PILGRIMAGE IN THE ORIENT. 237 

At Smyrna he found several Spiritualists, — M. C. Constant and 
M. E. H. Rossi, the more prominent, — who hold spiritual seances 
during the winter months, the angels organizing their forces at the 
seat of one of the " seven churches " ! 

" G-od sends his teachers unto every age, 
To every clime and every race of men.'* 

Dining at the home of Mr. Smither's, the American consul, so 
hospitable, he reclined upon the Turkish divan, and relished the rich 
soup, the seedless raisins, nuts, grapes, pomegranates, figs, apricots, 
and oranges, — all native to that sunny clime. " Asia Minor," he said, 
" is the paradise of fruits." Turks, Albanians, Persians, English- 
men, Frenchmen, Americans, were represented in this city, all much 
inclined to Turkish habits. With the rest, he wore the fez, and occa- 
sionally the Turkish costume, — which he brought home, — and talked 
with the Persians, through an interpreter, about the land of the " fire- 
worshipers," — the most stately and graceful people he ever met, 
so tall and dignified, attired in their pyramidal-shaped turbans, and 
long dresses girdled with gaudy sashes. All his boyish school-ideas 
about a caravan were realized here ; for one came into the city, hun- 
dreds of camels in a train, — patient creatures, led by a lazy Turk, — ■ 
heavily burdened with cloths, madder-root, olive-oil in goat-skins, 
opium, figs, &c. These products opened to his vision the vast re- 
sources of wealth in that country, waiting for American emigration 
and industry to develop. 

Riding donkeys is in fashion there : so he mounted one when going 
to see some ruins. "My ' cavasse,' — Turkish guide, — insisted," 
he says, " upon my riding his animal, as my lean, half-fed horse had 
several times stumbled. Ay, Chicagoans, you ought to have seen 
me upon that long-eared fellow ! Carefully surveying my long legs 
and general build, I came to the sage conclusion, that I never could 
look graceful upon the back of a little donkey ! " We wonder those 
Smyrnians did not shout, as the miners did in California, " There goes 
old Pilgrim's Progress ! " 

Conversing with Mr. Macropodari, a native of Boston, a wealthy 
resident of Smyrna, as they rode together through the gorgeous 
scenery of the city suburbs, he learned that "less crimes are com- 
mitted by the Turks than any people in the world : their word is good. 
A shake of the hand closes a contract, to be kept strictly as any writ- 



238 THE SPIRITUAL PILGRIM. 

ten document." All American and English consuls with whom he 
talked say the same. But the Turks, like our poor Indians mingling 
with the whites, are being vitiated by Greek and Roman Christians, 
— by u shrewd, cunning, money-getting Christians ! " 

Ephesus, the old Ionian city, famous for its stadium, theaters, 
and temple of Diana, recipient of a Pauline epistle and the personal 
ministry of the apostle John, — that he must visit. The journey 
lay sixty miles into the country. Hiring a " cavasse," armed like a 
brigand, he started, and soon stumbled upon a party of Americans, 
bound for the same place, all from Chicago, — Dr. J. S. Jewett, Lec- 
turer in the Medical University ; Charles G-. Haskins and Wells C. 
Lake, — traveling thither in quest of information, gathering cabinet 
specimens, exploring ruins, and taking a general topographical survey 
of the country. Our "Pilgrim" was overjoyed. Americans are 
closer brothers in a strange land. 

The following beautiful letter, bubbling over with soul, addressed 
from that Asian city, must ever blossom in the memory of the read- 
er : — 

"Ephesus, Asia Minor, Oct. 25, 1869. 

" Brother , . . . The sun of the New-Testament epistles is John, — the sainted 

John, that lovingly leaned upon Jesus' bosom. In youth, he was my ideal man. To-day, 
he is that angel in heaven whom I most love. Not Arabia, then, nor Palestine, but clas- 
sic Ephesus, is my Mecca. 

" ' Unto the angel of the church of Ephesus write, These things saith he that holdeth 
the seven stars in his right hand, who walketh in the midst of the seven golden candle- 
sticks.' 

" A pilgrim under a scorching Asian sky, I rested this afternoon, leaning upon one of 
thepillars that Christian and Moslem tradition unite in declaring marks the apostle's tomb. 
It was a consecrated hour ! Its fall history will in the future be written. While standing 
by this tomb, on the verge of Mount Prion, looking down upon the marbled seats of the 
Ephesian theater, — relic of Hellenic glory, — with my feet pressing the soil that pillowed ' 
the mortal remains of the ' disciple that Jesus loved,' ere their removal to Koine, no painter 
could transfix to canvas, no poet conceive suitable words to express, my soul's deep emo- 
tions. The inspiration was from the upper kingdoms of holiness; the baptism was from 
heaven; the robe was woven by the white fingers of immortals: while on the golden 
scroll was inscribed, ' The first cycle is ending ; the winnowing angels are already in the 
heavens. Earth has no secrets. What of thy stetvardshiji? Who is ready to be revealed? 
Who, loho shall abide this second coming t Who has overcome ? Who is entitled to the 
mystical name and the white stone? Gird on thine armor anew, and teach in trumpet tones, 
that the pure in heart, the pure inspirit only, can/east upon the saving fruitage that bur- 
dens the tree of paradise.'' 

..." From the summit of Mount Prion, the Isle of Samos may be distinctly seen. 
Gazing at this in the distance, and nearer to the winding course of the little Cayster 
towards the sea, at the scattered remnants of temples, marble fragments, broken friezes, 



. 



PILGRIMAGE IN THE OEIENT. 239 



,nd relics of every description, I could not help recalling the prophetic warning of John, 
in the Book of Revelation, ' I will come unto thee quickly, and will remove thy candle- 
stick out of its place, except thou repent! ' — (Eev. ii. 5.) 

" It is generally admitted that the apostle John lived to he one hundred and four 
years of age ; and all we know of his later days is linked with Ephesus, — accurately de- 
scribed by Herodotus, Pausanius, Pliny, and others, — outside the records of the church 
Fathers. It is not known how long St. John resided in this portion of Asia: suffice it, 
that his memory still lingers here, enshrined even in the Turkish name of the squalid 
village about two miles from the ruins of the old Ephesian city, — ' Ayasolouhe^ which 
is a corruption of the Greek ' Agios Theologos,'' the holy theologian, the name univer- 
sally given to this apostle in the Oriental Church. 

" The mosque here, which is magnificent, even though in partial ruin, was undoubt- 
edly an ancient Christian church, probably the identical one which the Emperor Justin- 
ian built on the site of an older and smaller one, dedicated in honor of St. John; who 
at Ephesus trained the disciples Polycarp, Ignatius, and Papius to preserve and dis- 
seminate apostolic doctrines in Smyrna and other cities of Asia. In the erection of this 
church edifice by Justinian, upon the spot where the venerable apostle preached in his 
declining years, were employed the marbles of Diana's temple. Visiting these scenes — 
Asian cities and churchal ruins — strengthens my belief in the existence of Jesus, the 
general authenticity of the Gospels, and the profound love-riches of John's epistles. It 
is the land of inspiration, of prophecy, and of spiritual gifts. Even the skeptical Gibbon, 
writing of the ' seven churches in Asia,' virtually admits the fulfillment of the apoca- 
lyptic visions. After recounting the final subjugation of the provinces of Bithynia by 
Orchan (a.d. 1312, &c), he proceeds: ' The captivity or ruin of the seven churches of 
Asia was consummated ; and the barbarous lords of Ionia and Lydia still trample on the 
monuments of classic and Christian antiquity. In the loss of Ephesus, the Christians 
deplored the fall of the first angel, — the extinction of the first candlestick of the Revela- 
tion. The desolation is complete; and the temple of Diana, or the church of Mary, will 
equally elude the search of the curious traveler. The circus and three stately theaters 
of Laodicea are now peopled with wolves and foxes. Sardis is reduced to a miserable 
village. The god of Mohammed, without a rival or a son, is invoked in the mosques of 
Thyatira and Pergamus; and the populousness of Smyrna is supported by the foreign 
trade of the Franks and Armenians. Philadelphia alone has been saved by prophecy or 
courage. At a distance from the sea, forgotten by the emperors, encompassed on all 
sides .by the Turks, her valiant citizens defended their religion and freedom above four- 
score years, and at length capitulated with the proudest of the Ottomans. Among the 
Greek colonies and churches of Asia, Philadelphia is still erect, — a column in a scene 
of ruins, — a pleasing example that the paths of honor and safety may sometimes be the 
same.' — (Gibbon's ' Decline and Fall,' chap, lxiv.) 

. . . : ' Eusebius and others tell us of the profound reverence that all the early believers 
in the doctrines of Jesus had for this aged and loving saint; who sorrowed with Christ 
in the garden, stood by him at the cross, received in charge Mary the mother of 
Jesus, and clairvoyantly beheld him ascend to the homes of the angels. This sentence 
from his pen will live for ever, ' God is love.' When he had become too weak and in- 
firm to walk to the old primitive church edifice in Ephesus, his admirers, taking him 
in their arms, would bear him thither; and then, with trembling voice, he could only 
say, ' Little children, love ye one another.' These and other well-attested historic recol- 
lections, rushing upon my mind, lift me on to the mount of transfiguration. I am happy. 
Could I have my library and a few congenial souls present, should be resigned to live 
under these soft, clear skies of Asia, till, putting off" my pilgrim's sandals, I hear the 
voice, ' Thou hast finished thy course: come up higher ! ' " • 



CHAPTER XXIX. 

NAPLES AND ROME. 

" Oh, for a touch of the Olympic games ! " 

Finding Turkish countries socially uncongenial, the autumn and 
wintry winds from the Black Sea injurious to his lungs, his spiritual 
nature unsatisfied, he obeyed the inspirational promptings of his 
spirit-guides by resigning his consulship. Through our consul-gen- 
eral at Constantinople, Mr. G-oodnowe, of Portland, Me., the resig- 
nation was accepted, but not until after his commission had received 
confirmation in the Senate. Leaving Turkey, he took an extensive 
tour through Asia Minor. ..." 'Mid evergreen isles waves a 
sapphire sea. I am entranced in meditative delight," he said, as his 
steamer circled westward, bound through the Archipelago, — " classic 
sea of antiquity." Sailing out of the Dardanelles, there was Cla- 
zomense, once a famous center for commercial cities ; then Scio, By- 
ron's " rocky isle," where the Christian crusaders massacred the 
Turks in the name of the " Prince of Peace ; " then Samos, home 
of Pythagoras ; then Cos, of mountain-peaks ; then sainted Patmos, 
where John was banished, but was " in the spirit on the Lord's Day ; " 
and Rhodes, too, with its ruined Colossus ; then classic Syracuse, 
which Strabo said was once " twenty-one miles in circumference," 
sacred to the memory of ^Eschylus, Demosthenes, and Archimedes ; 
then Mt. iEtna, Sicily, belted below the equator with snow, towering 
up eleven thousand feet, with three distinctive zones of vegetation. 
Full of enthusiasm, he started with his guide to ascend ; but the 
weather, changing, imperiled life : so he retraced his steps, pondering 
whether the New Atlantis, sunk nine thousand years before Plato's 
time, was not located in that volcanic section of the Mediterranean. 
Other islands are gradually sharing a similar fate. Santarena has 
nearly disappeared. Dating these facts, he called to mind the prom- 
ise of that ancient spirit, " Aphelion," that media would yet clair- 
240 



NAPLES AND KOME. 241 

voyantly disclose a submerged continent, the relics of its civiliza- 
tions still preserved in its swashing brine. 

He was now on Italian soil, in the city of Messina, Sicily, the guest 
of Mr. Behn, the American consul, — land of Tasso, Columbus, Gal- 
vani, Perasee, and other geniuses ascended ! were they not his com- 
panions ? The very thought of it hallowed every instinct to grateful 
meditation. Noticing the papal monasteries and churches, the 
superstition of the lower classes, removing their hats before the priests, 
the devoutness of the wild brigands, " equal to American Christians 
at eight-o'clock prayer-meetings," and invoicing the French bayonets 
that guard the papal throne and the Romish machinations of Empress 
Eugenie, " the Pope's Imperial Nuncio," he concludes his lesson in 
these memorable words, — 

" Educate the people, permit women to vote, and republics like 
Edens will cover all isles and continents." 

This feeling was evoked mainly by the following experience in 
Messina, an episode which he afterwards related in one of his Amer- 
ican lectures upon his " Oriental Travels : " — 

" The sound of a band of music attracted me to the street, where I saw a small pro- 
cession carrying sacred images, and surrounded by a c-owd, which idleness, curiosity, 
or religious enthusiasm had induced to swell their ranks. It was St. Agatha's Day; and 
being a stranger, and curious to know what was going forward, I joined the procession 
as it entered the Plaza, and there witnessed the performance of a variety of ceremo- 
nies. Not seeing as distinctly as I wished, I mounted a block, steadied myself in my 
place by a branch of a tree, and, to use an American phrase, was ' enjoying it hugely,' 
when all at once I became conscious that the attention of the crowd was diverted to and 
concentrated upon me. They began to talk to me: I couldn't understand them. They 
gesticulated fiercely, — for the Italians, like the French, talk as much with their hands as 
their tongues, — still I did not know whaL they meant, nor what to make of it, and made 
up my mind that I had better retire from the scene. With this intention, I stepped 
down from the block; but the throng pressed round me with louder words and wilder 
gestures, as if to frustrate such an attempt. Then I thought of calling the police to my 
aid. I had learned Italian enough for that: it was an essential that I took care to 
acquire the first thing after my arrival. I shouted till I brought one to the ground, 
and he, too, began to talk to me with an astonishing severity; which, incomprehensible as 
it was, warned me that 1 must look further for safety. In this strait, a lucky expedient 
suggested itself. I threw open my coat, displayed the badge of the Progressive Lyceum 
that I fortunately wore, struck it with the air of a man who proclaims himself to be 
somebody, and signed the policeman to follow me to the ' Hotel de Victoria.' The 
effect was magical. Impressed with a sense of my importance, and a conviction that 
there was a mistake somewhere, the throng fell back,, the policeman at my urgency 
accompanied me to the proprietor of ray hotel, by whose aid I succeeded in making 
him understand that I was an American consul. The explanation of this popular 
demonstration against me was, that they had mistaken me for Father Gavazzi, who 
was reported to have recently landed on the island, intending to harangue the people 
16 



242 THE SPIRITUAL PILGRIM. 

against the pope's infallibility. Gavazzi, you may recollect, was at one time a priest ; 
but, latterly apostatizing from the church, he drew upon himself the righteous fury of 
all its devoted followers. For some unaccountable reason, I was regarded as in league 
with Garibaldi, — the very unruly anti-churchman ; and so I was ! and the excited 
mobs were shouting, k Down with the agitator! Away with Padre Gavazzi ! ' The moral 
to be derived from the adventure is this : If you would insure your safety in a foreign 
country, keep out of crowds." 

Voyez Naples et mourez. " I change the traveler's motto," said 
Mr. Peebles, " See Naples, but never die ! " Boarding a neat 
Italian steamer, he was among the monks, — cowled, crossed, 
cloaked beggars ! " They not only looked fat and sleek, but drank 
wine and smoked cigars very much like sinners in gin palaces, dirty 
and lazy too ! " Passed close to volcanic Stromboli, the ancient 
iEolus, revered by Pliny, the exiled home of Charles Martel, fa- 
mous with the Crusades ; and, landing, he found rooms in the Vico 
Carminillo, — former residence of Robert Dale Owen while American 
minister there. The odor of his good name still lingers in that city. 
At rapid glances, he analyzed the kaleidoscopic scenery ; and his soul 
enlarged in reverence for the beautiful of other days, still blooming 
amid ruins. We catch some of his sunbeams of thought, — 

" The waters of the Bay of Naples have a cerulean tint, crescent-shaped, backed by 
an amphitheater of hills and mountains, with rocky slopes covered with sunny villas, 
sprinkled with orange and lemon, fig and oleander; Capri, loveliest of isles, in front, — 
a silver slipper; caves and grottoes in it; Sorrento, gleaming through the waves, — 
home of Torquato Tasso; the streets narrow and dingy, paved with lava; badly con- 
structed dwelling-houses, iron gates, flat-roofed ; insolent carriage-drivers, — villainous 
misrule of Catholics ! 

" Pius IX! you so rich from hoarded taxes, — Peter's pence and foreign purses 
laid at your feet, — feed the people ! . . . Get your sleek bishops and priests to plow- 
ing, sowing, and cultivating the fields for your beggars' sake, instead of mumbling 
prayers for ' Christ's sake.' Who with brains cares a fig for the decisions of your Ecu- 
menical Councils ? The people are above all councils. Who cares whether there be one, 
three, or thirty thousand gods, provided they are all good ones ? Who cares whether 
Jesus was begotten by a holy or unholy Ghost, allowing he was well begotten, and lived 
(as I believe he did) a beautiful, and divine life? Who cares whether Jonah, of Nin- 
eveh memory, swallowed, or was swallowed by, a whale, providing the bones of neither 
obstruct the navigation of the Suez Canal V Pope Pius, no more of your dictatorial bulls, 
nor muttering of formal prayers in Latin ! Feed the beggars ! Educate the people ! 
No more pretensions to infallibility, or wasting of kisses upon that brazen toe in St. 
Peters. Feed the beggars ! Educate the people ! No more bowings, twistings, 
crossings, before a speechless image or golden cross. Feed the beggars ! Educate 
the people! No more confessions from sinning Catholics to equally sinning priests 
and popes. Feed the beggars! Educate the people!" 

With Samuel G-uppy and lady and others., — all intelligent, hospi- 



NAPLES AND ROME. 243 

table Spiritualists, of high-toned character, — Mr. Peebles improved 
this Neapolitan visit in inspecting the historic places and ruins in and 
about Naples. Starting on a warm December day, they soon reached 
Virgil 's tomb. Over it he stood and mused, reading the inscription 
to his memory, best engraved upon the hearts of all scholars. Reach- 
ing a mountain, they rode through the Grotto di Posilipo, cut by the 
ancients, — magnificent, arching eighty to ninety feet, and two thou- 
sand three hundred and sixteen feet long, and twenty-two feet wide, — 
tunnel for a railroad ; drove to Pozzuoli, — Cicero's " Rome the les- 
ser," founded 558 B.C., now dim in its ancient splendor ; stood on the 
jutted mole whereon rested. the famous bridge of Caligula; saw the 
remains of the temple of Augustus, with its fragments of Corinthian 
columns ; studied the figures in basso relievo upon the white marble 
monument in the square of Pozzuoli, personifying the fourteen cities 
of Asia destroyed by an earthquake. As these were executed two 
or three thousand years ago, he inquired naturally, " How and in 
what direction have men progressed ? Has this century produced any 
thing original in art or metaphysics?" Pozzuoli was the ancient 
Puteoli of Paul (see Acts xxviii. 13), who here walked; and here 
he may have preached the re-appeared Christ. " Brother Paul 
fell into a trance ; was a missionary in Ephesus, Rome, and tht 
Isles of the Mediterranean ; had visions ; was a healing medium." 

The amphitheater, there it was, amid the mold of Pozzuoli ! — the 
place of Nero's gladiatorial sports, himself in the arena when Tiri- 
dates, king of Amedia, was his royal guest. Five hundred feet in 
length, one hundred and forty in breadth, in form of an ellipse in- 
closed in a circle, it could seat fifty thousand spectators ! Our " Pil- 
grim" walked over it, — a silent spectator now, — the very stones 
voicing his thoughts of this strange world of ours, — life budding on 
the stalk of death ! He ascended its marble steps and over its four 
tiers of seats. Far below, under the marble flooring, were the stalls 
for the bears, lions, and tigers ; the deep wells ; and on the sides 
were the visible entrances for the gladiators and animals. There, too, 
was the imperial seat, distinguished by Corinthian columns of black 
marble. What brooding meditations were his ! — 

" "Where dead men 

Hang their mute thoughts on the mute walls around, 
He lingered, poring on memorials 
Of the world's youth." 



244 THE SPIRITUAL PILGRIM. 

Sibyl's cave, beyond the ruins of Baiae ! how weird to our " Pil- 
grim ! " Over the earthquaked soil, — over Lake Avernus in the 
socket of an extinct volcano's eye, — hot water boiling up from its 
center ; on its verge the cave, eight feet wide, and six feet arch ; " it 
was a deathly-silent retreat." He describes it, — 

" The mosaics, the old Roman fresco inscriptions on the stone stairway, the rock-hewn 
path, the weird throne on which the sibyl sat while giving the oracles in a trance ecsta- 
sy, together with the niche and aperture for the use of the individual receiving the 
oracular responses, were to us deeply interesting. Many of those sibylline oracles — 
ancient Spiritualism — are still extant, and have often been referred to in settling 
church controversies." 

Nero's baths ! He penetrated thither, several hundred feet into 
the winding passage of a mountain, narrow and black. " The stream 
is hot ; boils eggs in three minutes. The descent is certainly fearful : 
few go down to the edge. Bathing my forehead in the boiling water, 
and examining the rocky bed on which gouty, rheumatic old Nero 
used to rest after his bath, I came out quite exhausted." Mr. Pee- 
bles plunged into Nero's dungeons, cut in the tuffa-stone mountain, 
" where this cruel emperor used to imprison rebels and captives." 
What a somber spell came over him as he inspected them ! How 
they psychologically voiced the long ago ! " How," he thought, 
" does rock and stream record the deeds of men, never to be effaced ! " 
" History is a grand lie ! " said Voltaire. A truer statement was 
never made. Only the Spiritual psychometrist can correctly write it. 
He alone can unriddle its fables and its churchal hypocrisies, writ- 
ten on so-called u sacred books." " Who is able to loose the seals?" 
The psychometrist ! Said M. Dupotet, " Whatsoever thou shalt 
have thought shall be known to all who wish to know of it." Said 
Prof. Babbage, " The air is one vast library, on whose pages are 
for ever written all that man has ever said or woman whispered." 
Said Wm. Denton, the Spiritual scientist, " The very rocks drink in 
the character of the people of the country in which they exist," — 
startling truths, which the Spiritual Philosophy reveals ! Most won- 
derful will be its developments, when wisely-disciplined media, stand- 
ing on the places memorable in history, inspired by the actiug spirit 
risen to heights of perspective, shall read the "soul of things" and the 
soul of events, magnetically engraved on ruins, rocks, and dust. 

The Catacombs, — subterranean burial-places, those of Naples 
anciently extending nine miles in one direction and thirteen in 



NAPLES AND ROME. 245 

another, entered now by the church of Gennero del Poveri : down, 
down, he and his friend D. descended to this " nether world," led by two 
solemn-visaged guides, — " the living city over our head, a dead city 
of bones under our feet." There they were, " coffins, sarcophagi, 
tiers of tombs, rotten boards, rusty nails, nameless heaps of skulls, 
spines, arms, ribs, — a frightful aspect ! There, too, were urns, vases, 
crosses, and the remains of the altar and church of St. Januarius, 
of the third century. This saint and his believing companions, 
being Christians, were thrown into the arena of the wild beasts, by 
order of Emperor Diocletian, but were not harmed. " Some psy- 
chological or spiritual influence may have saved them, as in the case 
of the prophet Daniel." In the year 305, he was beheaded on an 
eminence between Pozzuoli and Solfatara. He is the patron saint of 
Naples. " During the festival days that commemorate him, — 
the 3d of May and 19th of September, — his preserved blood is 
said to liquefy in the presence of the people. That the liquefaction 
takes place, Protestauts admit ; but is it blood, the genuine blood of 
the martyr, or a chemical preparation? That's the question. The 
purported miracle is performed in the cathedral." Mr. Peebles 
wanted to take away a skull as a relic, but was refused. " They 
are the skulls of Christians," said the monkish guide : " it would be 
sacrilege ! " Afterwards finding a nice skull down several hundred 
feet, having a large frontal development, he convinced the guide, " it 
is Pagan, because of large reasoning faculties and full benevolence 
and conscientiousness : " so he was permitted to take it. Whose the 
skull, he has hope of yet tracing mediumistically, with a history 
therewith connected. 

Solfatara, — the Forum Vulcani of Strabo ; what a sight to our 
" Pilgrim ! " It is nearly extinct ; but, near the edge of the crater, he 
noticed " a fearful, fiery orifice, belching out steam, gas, and sul- 
phur-impregnated smoke, half strangling us." He cast down a 
stone upon the crater-flooring: hearing its deep echo, and looking 
over, he called it the " mouth of hell." He thus suggests a Yankee 
enterprise, — " Let Elder Knapp and other revivalists ship this fire- 
mountain to America, and exhibit it as a foretaste or practical illus- 
tration of the bottomless pit. The Church could make money out 
of it." 

Vesuvius, — volcano of the centuries ! Mr. Peebles stood upon its 
summit, and gazed down into its awful vortex. There roiled before 



246 THE SPIRITUAL PILGRIM. 

him visions of the past, time's tides, life's beats, civilization's cycles, 
religion's decay and resurrection ; " and I, — am I a fated child too?" 
he asked. He walked the streets of exhumed Pompeii, and, with torch 
in hand, descended into buried Herculaneum, wondering at the grand- 
eur of the amphitheater whose columns have braved the decay of 
two thousand years. In Pompeii, every thing seemed fresh, of 
yesterday. 

" I am brought," he writes, " into actual relations with the temples, altars, paintings, 
mosaics, pavements, houses, and social life of men and women that thronged those 
chariot-groved streets two thousand years ago." In the wonderful museum in Naples, 
he found " Papyri, Etruscan vases, surgical instruments, agricultural implements, neck- 
laces, ear-rings, brooches, chains, combs, gold lace, and ornaments of every kind ; loaves 
of baker's bread, with name of the manufacturer thereon stamped; honey-comb, grains, 
fruits, eggs, bottles of wine and oil, hermetically sealed, — all these preserved since the 
eruption of 79, showing the high state of civilization the Pompeians had attained before 
the Christian era." Well does he exclaim, "Life is everywhere! Living men are 
constantly touching responsive chords that will vibrate for ever ! The kingdoms, cities — 
ruins of the agone ages — are many-tongued and voiceful. The present is the hyphen 
that connects the past and future." 

"Yet this is Rome, 
That sate on her seven hills, and from her throne 
Of beauty ruled the world ! . . . . 
Hear me, ye walls, that echoed to the tread 
Of either Brutus I — once again I swear 
The eternal city shall be free I " 

" Is this Rome the seven-hilled, the mosaic of St. Peter's, the 
eternal city?" was our " Pilgrim's" thought, on his first waking in 
the morning after his arrival, — "Rome! still proud and imperial, 
the moss-fringed panorama of prostrate columns, tumbling arches, 
splendid palaces, ivy-encircled towers, — Rome! relic of nearly 
three thousand years of the world's history?" 

Here meeting Prince George de Solms and Dr. F. H. L. Willis, 
" the true-souled brothers," the latter traveling in Europe in quest of 
health, he felt at home. Together roamed they the city : stood on 
Palatine Hill ; talked in spirit with Romulus, — who marked the boun- 
daries of the city with a plow, — with Cicero, Numa, and Tarquin, 
with Brutus and Cassius, with Csesar and Mark Antony ; ascended 
to the roof of the Capitol, and surveyed the square city, — " the ruined 
Forum, the Temple of Jupiter, the Temple of Concord, the Arch of 
Septimus Severus, the Temple of Antoninus, the Arch of Titus, the 
mighty Colosseum, the Appian Way, fringed for miles with the tombs 






NAPLES AND HOME. 247 

of the citizens of old Rome, and the Seven Hills on which the city is 
built, dotted with churches, convents, palaces, gardens, fountains and 
tropical plants." They saw the " Tiber rolling along its muddy tide, 
as in old historic periods ; " on its banks, the columns of Trajan and 
Antoninus, crowned with the statue of St. Paul, the dome of the 
Pantheon ; over the bridge, Hadrian's Mausoleum, and the old pal- 
ace of the Vatican, " whence have gone edicts shaking kingdoms, 
and making crowned heads tremble. Thank God and the good 
angels, popish bulls are quite harmless now." . . . u Oh, the tow- 
ering dome of St. Peter's, mightiest of earth's temples, reaching 
toward the sky ! " Within the walls they noticed the old aqueducts 
and baths, each more than a mile in circuit. Away stretched the 
eye over the Campagna, — "the gently-sloping Alban Hills, the 
Apennines with crests piercing the blue sky, the Sabine Hills suffused 
with dark purple, and the Etrurian plains extending far beyond the 
vision's reach." 

The next day they visited these noted places for minute inspection, 
and found a world of art, ruins, beauty, filth, beggary, and every- 
where the tracery of ancient glory and renown. They crossed the 
bridge of St. Angelo ; paced the Borgo Nuovo ; stood under the 
Piazza ; and there was the gorgeous St. Peter's ! covering eight acres, 
on the spot where Nero had his Circus, just where the apostle Peter was 
martyred. " See the unspeakable grandeur ! " writes Mr. Peebles. 
" Stand under the firmament of marble, and cast your eye along the 
richly-ornamented nave, along the statue-lined transepts, and up 
into that circling vault, that wondrous dome, supported by four 
piers each two hundred and eighty-four feet in periphery, and then you 
feast upon the fullness of its magnificence. ... It occupied a period 
of one hundred and seventy-six years in building, and three hundred 
and sixty years to perfect it ! " They saw the papal throne, the mas- 
ter paintings of the renowned artists, — Raphael's and Angelo's, — 
the w - Gift of Tongues," the " Feast of Pentecost," and the u Trans- 
figuration," — the last great work of Raphael ; "who seems to have been 
conscious then of standing upon the very verge of the summer-laud." 

Walking out to the Protestant burial-ground, beset by Catholic 
beggars as usual, as if there they might breathe a freer air, they 
found the tomb of the poet Shelley, having the simple inscription, 
"Concordium;" and beyond it that of the poet Keats, bearing this 
inscription, — 



248 THE SPIRITUAL PILGRIM. 

" This grave contains all that was mortal of a young English poet; 
who, on his death-bed, in the bitterness of his heart at the malicious 
power of his enemies, desired these words to be engraven on his tomb- 
stone, ' Sere lies one whose name is writ in water.* Feb. 14, 1821." 

Commenting upon this, — for the record touched his heart, — Mr. 
Peebles writes home, — 

" A pack of prowling, cowardly critics, incompetent of writing poems themselves* 
and actuated by a low ambition, — a sort of mental dropsy, — pounced upon the sensitive 
young Keats, and hunted him into his grave. He lives: they are forgotten." 

The Ecumenical Council, the twenty-first of the Latin Church, 
that pronounced the Pope " infallible," was holding its sessions dur- 
ing Mr. Peebles' visit to Rome ; consisting then of fifty-five cardinals, 
eleven patriarchs, six hundred and forty-seven primates, archbishops, 
and bishops, six abbots, twenty-one mitered abbots, and twenty-eight 
generals of monastic orders. These fathers he saw in St. Peter's on 
Christmas Day. Speaking of the august ceremony there performed, 
and of friends, he writes in a private letter to us, dated Rome, Dec. 
26, 1869,— 

. . . . " Two of these days in Eome I have spent mostly with Prince George, — a mag- 
nificent man, every inch a prince. He accompanied me to the Vatican, St. Peter's, 
ruins of Caesar's palaces, the Pantheon, Pincian Hill, and several of the most distin- 
guished churches. On Christmas Day, saw the Pope borne through the broad aisle of 
St. Peter's upon eight men's shoulders, the Catholics dropping suddenly upon their 
knees as if he were the Almighty himself. Saw the seven hundred bishops kiss the 
brazen toe. Beholding the miters, crosses, imperial robes, and heartless ceremonies, I 
said, 'Is this the religion of Jesus, the meek and lowly? ". . . 

" My dear brother, Dr. Willis, is with me. How happy our acquaintance in years 
past, when we were laboring together, he in Cold Water, and I in Battle Creek, Mich. 

" Kindred natures indulge in few formalities. Especially is this true when meeting 
in foreign lands. Our evenings in the city are generally spent together in fraternal 
fellowship. Unseen visitors — unseen to self, at least — are often in attendance, with heav- 
enly words of truth and love. The panoramic vision of the spiritual temple, with the 
mediumistic workers engaged thereon, given to the doctor upon one of these occasions, 
is literally ablaze with all the characteristics of a revelation. Heaven grant his speedy 
restoration to health! " 



CHAPTER XXX. 

FLORENCE. 

" All houses wherein men have lived and died 
Are haunted houses. Through the open doors 
The harmless phantoms on their errands glide, 
With feet that make no sound upon the floors." — 

Henry W. Longfellow. 

Glory of the middle ages ! Florence ! beautiful, freshened by 
the Arno, whose banks Milton trod ; the spiritual battery once of 
the fiery Savonarola, hurling thunderbolts at the Pope ; famous for 
sculpture, painting, and poesy, — how charming to the " Pilgrim'' ! 
He hastened to the Franciscan convent, and then to the Old Bastion, 
and gazed and gazed enraptured. He visited the pride of the Floren- 
tines, — the Santa Maria del Flore, of which Michael Angelo said, 
'" I may equal, but I can not surpass thee." He walked its solemn 
aisles, •* haunted with pious, speechless ghosts," the gloom like 
its theology. The old masters have paintings here : one is 
" Paradise ; " opposite " Hell," black and fiery ; and " Purga- 
tory " is quite " respectable, showing genuine benevolence in the 
artist." What is the attractive power of the Catholic Church? 
Delaage, a zealous Catholic, answers, u The sublime and ravishing 
harmony of her chants, the bluish wreaths of her ascending incense, 
the pictures and statues with which she adorns her cathedrals and 
churches, and the magnificent and impressive ceremonies of her 
worship ! " Is there not a lesson for Spiritualists to learn here ? 
Goethe says, "The beautiful is higher than the good; for the beau- 
tiful includes the good within it, as a part." In the Church of Santa 
Croce he walked amid tombs, and " conversed with souls that yet 
speak through the sister arts, — painting, sculpture, architecture." 
He read on some of the monuments the names of Galileo (over whom 
the church begins to repent), Boccaccio, Marsuppini, and Michiavelli. 

249 



250 THE SPIRITUAL PILGRIM. 

What memories thrilled him as he read the registry of their virtues, 
and caught the baptismal light of their spirit-presence ! And did 
he not there sense the soul of Dante, once frantic under the abuses 
of enemies, now dusting his brow with poetic glory? Here was that 
Spiritualist's favorite retreat, near this church. Our " Pilgrim " 
visited the spot, and felt what kindred souls only feel, and recalled 
Rogers's words, — 

" On that ancient seat, — 

The seat of stone that runs along the wall, 
South of the church, east of the helfry -tower, 
(Thou canst not miss it) in the sultry time 
"Would Dante sit conversing, and with those 
Who little thought that in his hand he held 
The balance, and assigned at his good pleasure 
To each his place in the invisible world ; 
To some an upper region, some a lower : 
Many a transgressor sent to his account 
Long ere in Florence numbered with the dead." 

He entered the galleries of painters' portraits. Here were Titian's 
face of " deep expression ; " Leonardo Vinci's, " full of beauty, 
grandeur, and majesty ; " Michael Angelo's, " sour, harsh, and 
gloomy ; " Raphael's, " easy and graceful ; " Angelica Hauff- 
man's, " young, dreamy, and winning ; " Joshua Reynolds's, " hard 
and stern." 

" A writer in ' Household Words ' says, ' The face being the outward index of the 
passions and sentiments within, the immortal dweller fashions and molds the plastic 
substance of his home, and helps form and alter the architecture of its house, like the bees 
and birds. . . . The spiritual principle writes its own character on its exterior walls, and 
chronicles from time to time its upward aspirations, or its more complete abasement.' " 

Understanding this spiritual art, another thought suggested itself 
to the mind of our brother, whilst philosophizing upon these symbols 
of soul, whether the molding influence of the love of the beautiful is 
not often measurably neutralized by the adversities of life? True, 
no doubt ! The touch of early frost destroys the violet's beauty and 
sweetness. Artistic geniuses, soaring above the sensuous of earth, 
" dreamy and impractical," as they are called, sensitive to every 
touch of mind, persecuted for their innovations, inevitably clash with 
popular opinions and consequent misfortunes, that render passion 
a battle, and love a storm : so that a sweet spirit, limniug itself in 
physical form, may appear as Angelo's, " sour, harsh, and gloomy ;" 
but, in the freer world of angels, be as the Nazarene's, — " shining 



FLORENCE. 251 

as the sun." Let Spiritualists, then, institute their educations and 
their social relations in such a manner as shall foster, reward, and 
protect true genius ; then shall we see the robe of divinity and the 
privilege of angels in our redemptive world. 

The leaning tower of Pisa, of boyhood's wonder ! he sat under 
its shadow ; " take care, surely it must fall ! " He mounted the 
spiral staircase, one hundred and eighty-seven feet, and looked 
off upon the city of fifty thousand, once double that, once the rival 
of Genoa, and the competitor of Venice for the sovereignty of the 
sea. But the tower ! " While on this elevation, your thoughts 
naturally revert to Galileo, who used the inclination of the tower to 
find the measure of time, and develop his theory of the fall of heavy 
bodies. Here, too, he demonstrated that the earth sails round the 
sun. Daring man, — a heretic ! The Church has ever persecuted 
the scientists." 

In Cimiterio Inglese he found the grave of Theodore Parker. On 
the way, he passed the monument erected to the memory of Mrs. 
Browning, the poetess and Spiritualist. All that is on it is, " E. 
B. B." So the sculptor nearly remembered her own wish, so sensi- 
ble,— 

" A stone above my heart and head, 
But no name written on the stone." 

" Under the cypress-trees, and having a plain brown marble monument, repose in 
this cemetery all that is mortal of one, who, not only in America, but in all enlightened 
lands, lives on earth immortal. The slab has this inscription, — 

" ' Theodore Parker, born at Lexington, Mass., U.S.A., Aug. 24, 1810; died at Florence, 
May 10, I860.' " 

What emotions thrilled his heart ! He recalled the Church's per- 
secution against him, and the Church's repentance, now that his truth 
and justice prevail. " I am proud," he says, " that I had known 
him in life, — proud that he was an American. . . . The true worker 
continues his work in the land of souls." 

Wherever Mr. Peebles goes, he is sure to find the principal literary 
characters, and sound the depth of their minds, to learn their worth 
in the world. Such acquaintances are so many steps to the paradise 
of universal truth. At Florence, he was introduced to T. Adolphus 
Trollope, son of the celebrated Mrs. Trollope, who years ago trav- 
eled in the United States, on a tour of observation, writing a book 
of us and our institutions. He is an author of literary fame. Mr. 



252 THE SPIRITUAL PILGRIM. 

Peebles visited his elegant mansion, gardens, and massive library ; 
which, he says, " bound my soul as with a magic spell. Books, 
books ! Bury this frail body under a pyramid of books ! " He found 
this gentleman an earnest investigator of Spiritualism, having wit- 
nessed remarkable tests of spirit-presence through Dr. Willis, at 
Villa Trollope, Ricorboli. 

Stepping into the studio of Hiram Powers, the world-renowned 
American sculptor, he studied the gospel of the fine arts, — their 
influence upon national character. With Mr. Marsh, our United- 
States minister, he listened in rapt delight to Mr. Powers's practical 
good sense upon the necessity of developing in young minds a loving 
ambition for sculpture and painting, as a most powerful instru- 
mentality of national progress. Our carving of the beautiful carves 
the soul in its divine image. The busts of " Eve," the very perfec- 
tion of art, and " Our Saviour," so exquisitely finished, were only 
companions of Longfellow, Everett, Webster, Franklin, and Jeffer- 
son. This is right, — 

" No high, no low, no rich, no poor," 

in the kingdom of the good and true. Mr. Powers, a firm Spirit- 
ualist, " would see our spiritual literature of the highest order." 

Baron de Guldenstubbe, " is the unassuming and thoroughly indi- 
vidualized." Through this gentleman's mediumship, Mr. Peebles 
obtained new phases of spirit-writing most wonderful. " Placing 
writing materials upon monuments, sarcophagi, in the Louvre, and 
places consecrated to certain saints, he obtained proofs of spirit iden- 
tity. He published sixty-seven fac-similes. The handwriting of 
Marie Antoinette and others was immediately recognized." The 
baron published these writings in " Thoughts from beyond the 
Tomb," and the " Reality of Spirits." 

Salvadore Brunetti, formerly a professor in a Syracusean College 
in Sicily, is a brother in whom he found a friend of liberty ; imprisoned 
by Francis II., emancipated by Garibaldi, and now a wandering 
improvisator *e, — a poor and homeless medium, blessing the world by 
his spirit songs and poems. 

Baron Vincenzo Caprara is a great scholar, imprisoned for republi- 
can sentiments, persecuted by the Catholic priesthood, succored by 
the angels, disinherited by mortals, enriched by the gods. " Pleasant 
are our memories," says Mr. Peebles, "from writing and mingling 






FLORENCE. 253 

with him in the social circle. If Italians do not, future history will 
do him justice." 

Girolamo Parisi is editor of " The Aurora," in Florence, a periodi- 
cal devoted to the spirit sciences. A " truly generous man," writes 
Mr. Peebles, remembering his mauy kindnesses. 

Signor G. Damiani, of ducal family, a political agitator like the 
rest; once a Catholic, now a radical Spiritualist; "a daily mis- 
sionary of uncommon scholarship, preaching the ministry of spirits 
in the best social circles of Italian, English, French, and German 
society," inviting and challenging the greatest scientists of the world, 
such as Profs. Lewes and Tyndal, to a trial of Spiritualism, — how 
highly does our Pilgrim prize him ! 

Baron Kirkup, venerable and noble, a painter, friend of the beau- 
tiful William Blake, his daughter a brilliant medium, his library 
priceless, his genius most golden, his attendant angel Dante, crowned 
by the king of Italy as a "knight" \_La Corona cV Italia'], for his 
restoration of the painting of Dante, under the inspiration of the 
poet himself, is soon to be crowned by the angels in the gallery of 
paintings in the spirit-world. " How I love this generous brother 
of large soul ! " exclaims our " Pilgrim " again. 

" He who would be the tongue of this wide land 
Must strike his harp with chord of sturdy iron, 

And strike it with a toil-embrowned hand. 

Such, such, is he for whom the world is waiting, 

To sing the beatings of its mighty heart : 
Too long hath it been patient with the grating 

Of scandal-pipes, and heard it misnamed art." 

" The Anti-Ecumenical ! " As this council runs parallel with that 
of the Roman, that pronounced the Pope "infallible" — a council 
that was the outburst of free thought, prophetic of papal decline 
from that very hour, — we publish its entire proceedings as reported. 
The following note was tendered Mr. Peebles whilst in Florence : — 

"ASSEMBLEE DES LIBRES PENSEURS 

DEVANT SE REUNIR A NAPLES 

Le 8 DECEMBRe 1869. 



BILLET D'ADMISSION, 



ORDRE DU JOUR DE LA SEANCE D'OUVERTURE. 



1. Discours d' inauguration; 

2. Compte-rendu du Comity provisoire, et lecture des principales lettres d'adb.6- 



254 THE SPIRITUAL PILGRIM. 

"3. Appel nominal, et enregistrement des membres presents; 
"4. Election du Comite* central d^fininitif. 

" Mr. James M. Peebles, a qui le present billet d'admission a 6t6 delivrd, pourra se faire 
representer par un delegue\ dont il ecrira le nom au dos de cette feuille, en le faisant suivre 
de sa signature. II est prie, en outre, d'accuser reception de ce billet dans le plus bref delai, 
en ecrivant a Naples a M. J. Ricciardi, Depute au parlement d'ltalie, Riviera di Chiaja, 
No. 57. 

" Pour subvenir aux frais considerables de Vceuvre, un droit d'entree de 50c. sera payi 
par le porteur du present billet. 

" Le lieu et Vheure de la reunion seront indiques par les journaux." 

Previous to this meeting, Mr. Peebles was introduced to Count 
Riccardo, through Signor Damiani, and spent several evenings with 
him and other distinguished cosmopolitan gentlemen ; during one of 
which the Count, turning to him, and speaking in plain English, 
said, — 

" America and American institutions are not convulsed with the intrigues of Church 
and State. No, sir! liberty is the American watchword. Freedom, political, social, 
and religious, constitutes our ' Trinity.' We have letters of sympathy from distinguished 
men and women in all parts of Europe, from St. Louis, Chicago, Cincinnati, Milwaukie, 
and other portions of the United States ; but as you are the only personal representative, 
so far as I am aware, we should be happy to have you sit and deliberate with us in our 
public council." 

"We clip the following from the Naples and Florence " Observer : " — 

"Saturday, Dec. 14, 1869. 
"meeting of the anti-concilio, or congress OF FREE-THINKERS, IN NAPLES. 

" The first meeting of the 'Anti-concilio,' organized by Count Ricciardi as an oppo- 
sition and demonstration to the Ecumenical Council now being held in Rome, took place 
on Thursday in the theater San Ferdinando. The stage was occupied by the foreign 
delegates, the president, his secretaries and supporters, and the representatives of the 
press; amongst whom we noticed Mr. Daniel, the special reporter of 'The New- York 
Herald,' U.S.A.; Mr. Peebles, United-States Consul to Trebisond, Asia, and editor of 
' The Universe ; ' M. Carl Ludeking, correspondent of two German- American papers, 
and other foreign correspondents. . . . 

" Then followed reading of telegrams from several cities in Italy, from Vienna, 
from France, from Trieste, Temesvar in Hungary, from Spain, and from other European 
cities. That which came from Trieste was received with great warmth, as also were 
the Hungarian and the Spanish, some passages which censured in bitter terms the 
French occupation of Rome, producing the most unbounded applause. 

"A very spirited speech was then made in Italian by M. Ovary, a Hungarian 
delegate, in which he alluded to the stupidity of propounding the syllabus in the nine- 
teenth century. He said, ' The papacy is the principal obstacle to liberty, and the 
scourge of society.' 

" Personally he was there intrusted to represent the opinions of twenty-five thou- 
sand of his fellow-countrymen; and a friend, also present, was delegate for an equal 
number. He protested against the iniquities of the papacy, and ended by reading a 



FLORENCE. 255 

short address in Hungarian and Italian; which stated that the Magyar race were heart 
and hand with Count Eicciardi in the work he had undertaken. 

"A letter from Gen. Garibaldi was then read. It was written in the usual pungent 
style of the general, alluding to the priesthood, commencing with ' Rovesciare il mostro 
papale.' He said, moreover, that he belonged to the religion of truth, and the true 
religion of God; expressed his concurrence in the object of the meeting, and regretted 
his inability to attend. Letters were then read from Henri Martin, Victor Hugo, Edgar 
Quinet, Michelet, the German professor Moleschott, and other savans of Europe. 

" Gen. Mataread an address in Spanish, and was saluted at the close by cries of ' Viva 
il Messico ." . . . 

" The roll-call was preceded by some few speeches, one of which was by Mr. Pee- 
bles, editor of "The Universe," Chicago, U.S.A.; another by Mr. Carl Ludeking, of 
St. Louis ; another by an aged German professor ; a fourth by a young republican from 
Belgium; and a fifth by Garibaldi's old chaplain." 

Id his admirable report of the council, Mr. Peebles writes to 
" The Universe, " — 

"At the general opening of the anti-council, the president delivered the address, 
which was pronounced learned and logical. His gestures were graceful and easy. The 
Italian language is music itself. Closing, he submitted the following questions to the 
Congress assembled, as suggestive of discussion: — 

" I. Of religious liberty, and the best means for rendering it full and permanent. 

" II. Of the complete separation of Church and State. 

" III. Of the necessity of a code of morals, independent of religious belief. 

"IV. Of the establishment of an international association to promote the principles 
of freedom, and the general good, intellectual and moral. 

" The officers chosen and committees appointed, the secretaries read letters of adhe- 
sion and approval from Garibaldi, Victor Hugo, and many other distinguished patriots, 
authors, thinkers, in Europe, Mexico, United States, Brazil, Chili, West Indies, the 
Grecian Isles, and important cities in Asia and Africa. Between two and three thousand 
individuals' names were enrolled, a majority of whom, being in attendance, answered 
for themselves when called by the secretaries. Occasionally, when some celebrated 
lady arose, and responded ' present,' or offered a few encouraging remarks, the cheering 
of the multitude would be deafening. 

" The vast audience, so orderly, yet so enthusiastic, presented a magnificent specta- 
cle. It has never been our privilege to behold a nobler class of youth than those Italian 
students in attendance, representing universities and other institutions of education 
in the kingdom of Italy. The women that so bravely answered to their names were 
mothers, wives, sisters, that do not fancy the manipulations and liberties that Romish 
priests often take with their daughters at private confessions. In the United States, 
Roman Catholicism, gentle, cooing, and cunning, presents upon the surface a very amiable 
and dove-like appearance ; but, under that silken plumage, there skulks the demon of 
despotism, superstition, and a bloody inquisition, waiting a hoped-for ascendency in 
America. 

"A Polish patriot, who fought with the Italians against the Austrians, was greeted 
upon taking his seat with prolonged applause. His burning eloquence thrilled every 
heart present. 

"A soldier, whose body bore the scars of many battle-fields, spoke against kings, 
popes, and priests with the same earnestness that he fought for a united Italy. 



256 THE SPIRITUAL PILGRIM. 

" When Garibaldi's old chaplain arose to speak, the clapping of hands and enthusi- 
astic shoutings seemed like the 'voice of many thunders.' He declaimed against 
Church and State, Popish infallibility, the baseness of a French soldiery in Rome, the 
advantages taken by priests in ' confessions,' and the despotism of the Catholic Church. 

" Mr. Peebles called, he addressed the meeting, the president translating a portion 
of his remarks, — 

"Italians, Brothers, — Made, by virtue of an invitation extended by your dis- 
tinguished president, a member of this Congress of free-thinkers, and requested to 
participate in your deliberations, I most deeply regret my inability to address you in 
your native language, — a language so naturally adapted to music, to the sentiments of 
poetry, and the principles of philosophy. Freedom of conscience underlies the very 
foundation of the American declaration of independence. Our Constitution, giving the 
preference to no religious creed, does not even mention the word God. Rightly inter- 
preted, it considers man above all institutions, — man and his innate rights above car- 
dinals and popes, churches and kingdoms. With the exception of a few clergymen and 
their willing dupes, the united voice of America is eloquent in behalf of the inalienable 
rights of man, — the right of each to think, to hear, to believe, and to judge for him- 
self upon all questions, civil, political, and religious; and no priest has any business to 
say, ' Why believe ye ? ' or, ' Why do ye thus and so '? ' 

' ' History warrants the declaration, that, wherever papal influences and Bibles have 
gone, there have followed in the wake war, persecution, bigotry, and oppression. Secta- 
rian Christianity has deluged the earth in crimson streams for opinion's sake. It kindled 
the fires of Smithfield. It bolted the dungeon doors of the inquisition upon Savonarola. 
It rung bells of rejoicing on St. Bartholomew's Eve. It persecuted Tasso, Copernicus, 
Galileo, and stabbed to the heart other apostles of science and men of letters. It sacri- 
ficed two millions of men during the Crusades. Christian steel has drunk Christian 
blood in all lands. The sword of Pope Pius IX., upheld by the bayonets of a Christian 
nation, is already edged for further rapine and death. Only two years since, he decapi- 
tated young Tognetti for alleged political conspiracy. This youth, fired with the inspi- 
ration of freedom, loved Italy, loved human rights, more than the temporal power ; and, by 
the Pope's order, he was executed: and his two brothers are in this assembly as mourners 
to-day. Down on such Christianity as this ! Down with your red-handed popes, and 
up with science ! Down with priests, and up with the people ! Down with bigotry, and 
up with toleration ! Down with church al authority everywhere, and up with individual 
freedom ! Italians, send American, all missionaries, back to their native lands with 
their Bibles and rot-eaten t?'acts, and invite them to return with patent washing-machines, 
school-houses, and libraries, with the ax, the spade, and the plow, and, when returning, 
use them with ungloved hands. Practical industry cools missionary zeal. Shame on 
these American bishops who go from a country of freemen to papal Rome, to vote the 
Pope infallible. Such assumption is the quintessence of impudence on their part, 
weakness and dotage on his. 

" The central idea, the prime thought, of cultured Americans, is free speech, free 
press, and free religion. The generous hearts of at least twenty million trans- Atlantic 
citizens beat in full sympathy with yours to-day. As an individual, I tender you the 
affections of "a warm heart, the clasp of an open hand, and the fellowship of a soul 
that has sworn, eternal hate to priestcraft and oppression. 

" President, I am a mystery to myself. When I ' would do good,' like an apostle, 
' evil is present with me.' When I would subdue by love, then, looking down upon an 
assemblage like this, and listening to the recital of wrongs, of chains, of prisons, and 
of papal murders, my tongue, my lips, break out, On with the battle ! On with fire and 



FLOEENCE. 257 

sword and the black-throated artillery of death! The people are the Christ of this cen- 
tury; Rome is the cross; popes, cardinals, and priests are the crucifiers. Down, then, 
peacefully if possible, but down, with despots and tyrants ! Then the coronal brain- 
region — the divine nature gaining the ascendency, my soul speaks — speaks in tones 
equally firm, but more humane and angelic, On as the highest wisdom may dictate ! 
On with the artillery of tongue and pen! on! remembering that love — the divine 
principle of love — alone subdues ! 

" Reason is God's seal of true manhood. Though there are socialists and secularists, 
rationalists and materialists, the Spiritualists, numbering several millions, form the 
central column in the progressive religious movement of America. Scientists and rad- 
ical Unitarians constitute the right and left wings of this army. 

" Not empowered to speak authoritatively, I feel that I do the free-thinkers of my 
native country no injustice in the declaration, that negatively they deny the fall 
of man,' 'the trinity,' 'total depravity,' ' vicarious atonement,' ' endless punishment,' 
1 a general judgment ; ' 'the plenary inspiration of the Bible,' and the personality of 
either a human-shaped God or devil. 

" Affirmatively, this aggressive body believes in the divine existence, the intelli- 
gent life-principle of the universe; in the innate moral worth and progressive 
tendency of humanity; in the certainty of a compensation, ever acting in consonance 
with the fixed laws of nature; in political, social, mental, and religious freedom; in a 
true life, founded upon the highest intuitions of the soul and the moral consciousness 
of the race. Because more intimately connected with it, I feel a more perfect freedom 
in speaking of Spiritualism as a great motive power in America. 

" Under some name, and in some form, Spiritualism, as demonstrated through phe- 
nomena, and substantiated by unimpeachable ' testimony, has constituted the basic 
foundation and been the motive force of all religions in their incipient stages. The 
Spiritualism of to-day, in America, England, and all enlightened countries, differs 
from that of eighteen hundred years since, in Judea, only in the better understanding 
of its philosoplry, the general conception of its naturalness, and its wider dissemination 
through the different grades of society. It has been and is God's visible seal of love 
to all climes and ages. 

"As a general definition of Spiritualism, the following is submitted: — 

" Its fundamental idea is God, the infinite spirit-presence, imminent in all things. 

"Its fundamental thought is joyous communion with spirits and angels, and the 
practical demonstrations of the same through the instrumentality of media. 

"Its fundamental purpose is to rightly generate, educate, and spiritualize all the 
races and nations of the earth. 

" Spiritualism, considered from its philosophical side, is rationalism; from its scien- 
tific side, naturalism; and, from its religious side, the embodiment of love to God and 
man, — a present inspiration and a heavenly ministry. In the year 1900, it will be the 
religion of the enlightened world. 

"It underlies all genuine reform movements, physiological, educational, social, phil- 
anthropic, and religious; and, spanning all human interests with holy aim, it seeks to 
reconstruct society upon the principles of a universal brotherhood and the strict equality 
of the sexes. 

" Desirous of greater knowledge touching the relations of spirit with matter, and of 
men with God, and the intelligences of the surrounding world of sphits, Spiritualists 
study and reverently interrogate the laws and principles that govern the phenomena and 
occult forces of the universe, the histories of the past, and the experiences of the 
present, anxious to solve those psychologic and spiritual problems of the ages, — man's 
origin, capacity, duty, and final destiny. 



258 THE SPIRITUAL PILGRIM. 

" Interrelated with spirit and matter in their varied evolutions, and with the highest 
interests connecting all woi-lds, Spiritualism is neither supernatural in philosophy nor 
sectarian in tendency ; but broad, catholic, and progressive, — the voiced truth of God 
through nature to the rational soul, — a science, a philosophy, and a religion. 

" Contemplated from the mount of vision, it may be compared to a temple whose 
outer foundations are upon earth and whose golden dome is in heaven. Its facts, its 
workmanship, are embellished by the fingei's of angels; and its principles are upheld by 
the hand of God. 

" Thanking you for your patience in listening to a stranger in a language that few 
of you understand, I close with this sentiment : — 

" May Italians speedily possess all Italian territory ! May proud, historic Eome be its 
capital! May capital and country constitute one united republic ! and may that repub- 
lic be sustained by the enlightened influences of education, justice, universal suffrage, 
the equality of the sexes, and the beautiful peace-principles of love and wisdom." 

On a rich silken banner or standard, behind the platform, were inscribed the names 
of the countries represented by delegates, or letters of approval. The motto upon the 
banner was decidedly significant : — 

"the nations of the civilized world made brothers by free thought." 

The word Rome, though in gilded letters, was veiled in black crape. 

" Near the close of the second evening's session," writes Mr. Peebles, " while a talented 
French delegate was speaking eloquently of Republican institutions and free relic/ion, 
declaring that Rome was kept from the Italians against the will of Frenchmen, hundreds 
of voices joined in the cry, ' Long live Republics, liberty of conscience, free religion! 1 

" When up rose an officer, scarfed and ribboned, and said, ' In the name of the laws I 
pronounce this meeting dissolved! ' 

"Murmurs half-suppressed, agitations, intense feeling of indignation, as though a 
fearful mental storm was ready to burst, and President Ricciardo rising said, ' I beg of 
you to disperse quietly, — quietly, and in good order.' 

" It seemed like a dream. An immense assembly in attendance, — a French orator 
in the midst of a thrilling speech, an enthusiastic people cheering and rejoicing, the 
meeting dissolved, the lights extinguished, a horde of policemen prowling about, 
the people crowding into the streets. 

" Shame on such despotism! My whole being was on fire. beautiful, sun-kissed 
Italy ! wretched, bleeding, pope-cursed Italy ! I mingle my tears with yours, 
with Perasees and the angels, asking how long, oh! how long, before your day of deliv- 
erance? " 

At this council, Mr. Peebles was awarded with a significant and 
splendid medal for his speech, and the interest he manifested in its 
grand objects, and was afterwards elected an honorary member of the 
Societa Florantina de Spiritismo, presenting him a diploma written 
in Italian, and dated Feb. 28, 1870. 



CHAPTER XXXI. 

WORK IN THE BRITISH ISLES. 

" 'Tis the voice 
Of infant Freedom ! and her stirring call 
Is heard and answered in a thousand tones 
From every hill-top of her "Western home 1 " — G-EO. D. Prentice. 

" Character is what God and angels know of us." —Thomas Paine. 

Leaving- the Neapolitan cities of Italy, Mr. Peebles returned to 
London in January, 1870 ; and, obeying the promptings of his spirit- 
friends and the invitations of English Spiritualists, with J. Burns pro- 
ceeded immediately to the organization of Sunday meetings at the 
Cavendish Rooms, Mortimer Street, Regent Street. His first lec- 
ture was delivered on the third Sunday in January, to a compara- 
tively small audience. He continued his Sunday labors four months 
in London, and week evenings in the provincial cities, the interest 
constantly augmenting into fine assemblies, composed of the best 
English minds. Pie instituted order by religious services inter- 
spersed with music, allowing inquirers at first to question him at 
the close of his speaking. The evening meetings were the more 
inspirational ; and frequently plenty of rappings were heard near seats 
occupied by media, but, not loud enough to interfere with the pro- 
ceedings. 

Occasionally absent in other cities, his desk was supplied by J. 
Burns, E. D. Rogers, F. R. Young, H. D. Jencken, A. C. Swinton, 
T. Shorter, and others, with excellent success. The general drift 
of his thought, and the good accomplished in that brief time, will be 
found in these summary extracts from the British Spiritual press. 
The following are from that able journal, "The Spiritualist," edited 
by W. H. Harrison : — 

" Mr. Peebles, according to a system he has long carried out in the United States, 
preceded his lecture with a short religious service; and he began by giving out a hymn, 

259 



260 THE SPIRITUAL PILGRIM. 

which was sung by the large number of Spiritualists and others present. He then 
offered up a short prayer to the Almighty, giving thanks to him for the blessing of direct 
communication with departed friends, and for having planted within every human being 
the seeds of endless growth and eternal progression. 

" Mr. Peebles then said, that, in one of the epistles of Paul, there is language something 
like this, ' Be ready to give to every man a reason for the hope that lieth in thee.' Rea- 
son, he said, is a divine gift, — one of the greatest characteristics of true manhood; and, 
as God has been pleased to make us reasonable beings, we ought to exercise these reason- 
ing powers to the best advantage. We should sanction no theology, no moral teaching, 
and no deduction of science, till we have brought the subject to the test of reason. 
Wherever there is an effect, there must have been a cause ; wherever there is motion, 
there must have been something to produce it; and, wherever there is a house, there must 
have been a builder: so, where we see millions upon millions of bright and glorious 
worlds circling in their orbits, there must be some intelligence guiding them by immu- 
table laws. . . . 

" Mr. J. M. Peebles, American Consul at Trebisond, lectured at the Cavendish rooms 
on Sunday evening, Feb. 27. He commenced, The inspired Psalmist once said, ' Oh, 
worship the Lord in the beauty of holiness ! ' It is not more in harmony with nature 
for water to seek its level, or the mystic needle to point to the North Pole, than for man 
to worship. Wherever man has been, he has left marks of his worship of God. The 
power to ask the question, ' What is God?' implies to some extent the power to answer 
it; and God is infinite life and truth and gladness and intelligence and love. God has 
implanted in man a belief in a superintending existence, guiding all worlds. We do not 
comprehend him: we can not even fathom ourselves. We can only grasp and digest 
what is inferior to ourselves. He supposed that God is not a personal being with a 
definite shape, but that God is in the universe, and just as much present to-day as in 
the days of the patriarchs. Directly you personalize God, you localize him: whatever 
you localize you limitize; and whatever you limitize is imperfect, and maybe destroyed. 
He could only say with Jesus, ' God is a spirit.' He thought that man physical is the 
ultimate of the rest of the earthly creation, and that all the lower forms of life and 
matter are focalized in him, from the oyster to the monkey upwards. He did not mean 
that man is made of the primates, but of the spiritual ultimates of the primates. There 
is reason to suppose that there is a portion of the Spirit of God in every human being, 
and that this divine portion never becomes impure: it is only when this innermost 
purity tries to externalize itself through the spirit body and the material body, both of 
them containing and being surrounded with inharmonious conditions, that troubles and 
sorrow and suffering afflict the progressing mortal. 

" The lecturer next stated, that the condition of man is one of endless progression. 
If they asked, ' Is God a progressive being? ■ he would answer at once in the negative. 
But if God does not progress, and man does, will not man in the end reach him, and be 
lost in him? No; for the progression of man is finite, and no number of finite move- 
ments will reach the infinite. It is a fact capable of mathematical demonstration, that 
two lines may continua'lly approach, yet never meet; also in the attempt to divide the 
number ten by three, on the decimal principle, one may keep on carrying figures until 
the whole universe is filled with them, yet never get to the end. No aggregation of 
fmites can make up infinity. A man should never bow down in sackcloth and ashes 
before his Creator, but stand up in the glory of his manhood, as a being destined for 
eternal progression in the spheres. Spiritualism does not teach that God is a tyrant and 
angry with man. . . . 

" Spiritualism does not say, ' Believe my creed,' but ' Feed my sheep; ' does not say, 



WORK IX THE BRITISH ISLES. 261 

I Worship in my church,' but, ' Worship as your own conscience dictates ; ' does not 
insist so much upon the saying, as the doing of prayers, that the heart's best affections 
maybe baptized into a love holy and heavenly: in fine, Spiritualism is that 'other 
angel,' that the revelator John saw 'flying in the midst of heaven,' and preaching the 
everlasting gospel of immortality, — the gospel of ' peace and good-will to men.' 

" He loved the living gospel of Spiritualism, because it shows so much of the kind- 
ness and love of God. Pain is only an angel, leading us back to nature and truth: sick- 
ness purifies the physical organization; and disappointments strengthen individuality of 
character. Even Jesus, it is said, was purified by suffering; and there is no eternal 
endless evil in the universe. He was so organized that he could not love a hateful ob- 
ject. Human love is a thing which comes out like the flowers, to drink in the dew- 
drops, and to rejoice in the sunlight of heaven. Human love is a great reforming 
power ; and its binding influence was never more plainly shown than when William Penn 
made his treaty with the Indians, by the rolling river, under the old elm-tree's shade." 

" The Medium," a chaste, pungent sheet, edited by J. Burns, 
reports the evening service, — 

" Mr. Peebles's discourse at the Sunday-evening services in the Cavendish rooms, on 
the 27th ult., was one of the most powerful, in some respects, that we have ever listened 
to. The subject was ' Heaven and hell: what are they? where are they? ' which was 
characterized by cogent reasoning and great moral power. A curious fact should not 
be overlooked in estimating the cause of the singular influence which this address had 
on the hearers. Several seeing mediums who were in the meeting gave corroborative 
descriptions of spirit-forms which were seen behind the speaker. A venerable-looking 
sage, with very long hair and beard, stood on a mound apart from the speaker, the space 
between whom and this spirit was filled with a white ethereal substance. A female 
spirit stood to the right, and a male spirit to the left of Mr. Peebles, while an Indian 
stood right behind him. Streams of light proceeded from the grave-visaged sage to the 
attendant spirits; and, when the ideas were bright and forcible, the color of these 
streams was golden; but when of an ordinary kind, they were silvery in appearance. 
The attendant spirits took hold of the streams of light proceeding from the sage, and 
placed them on the head of the speaker, sometimes in the region of ideality, and some- 
times that of veneration and benevolence. The Indian spirit made very long passes 
with his hands all over Mr. Peebles's body, from the head downwards, as if to give him 
force. These are veiy interesting facts, and require no comment." 

At this meeting he electrified his audience by relating some of his 
experiences with the Indians during his tour with the " Peace Com- 
mission," — 

" Some one thousand Indians met in council, drawn up in half-moons, near the con- 
fluence of the Rivers North and South Platte: the discussion then began; and old griev- 
ances were brought up. Gen. Sherman, a kind-hearted man, but shrewd withal, put 
some questions about one point, in which the Indians had broken a former treaty; and 
these questions rather puzzled the chief speaker on the other side, who was known to 
the whites as ' Old Spotted-tail.' Being puzzled, he refused to give an immediate 
answer, and summoned to his side a young Indian, who directly afterwards ran away; 
and, for nearly one hour and a half from that time, not a single word would the old 
Indian chief, or any subordinate chief, lisp: but, when the young man came back, 



262 THE SPIRITUAL PILGRIM. 

Spotted-tail made a most eloquent speech. He (Mr. Peebles) afterwards ascertained, 
that, nine days before the council met, a celebrated medicine-man among the Indians 
had begun to prepare himself to hold converse with the Great Spirit, and to give advice 
to the tribes. By being calm, meditative, and taking little food, he became passive and 
negative enough to enter the clairvoyant state ; and thus the advice was given. There 
was not a single Indian youth to be seen in all that council; and, on inquiry, he was told, 
that, three days before it began, orders had been issued that all young Indians should 
absent themselves from the camp, because the chiefs did not wish them to become con- 
taminated by the vices of the Christian whites." 

Finding Spiritualism in the British Isles nearly as rudimental as 
in America a number of years ago, Mr. Peebles was thrown back 
to first principles, and, being well versed in them from large experi- 
ence, was able to cope with any difficulties. As a general rule, the 
spiritual manifestations excelled those he had formerly witnessed in 
his disciplinary years. Among others he mentions those of " seeing 
spirits in crystals ; " upon which Prof. Kenneth R. H. Mackenzie, dis- 
coursed, at the rooms of J. Burns. Mr. Peebles wrote home, — 

" Magic rock-crystals are exceedingly expensive. The late Earl of Stanhope, who 
nearly completed the great reflecting telescope, six feet in diameter, and longer in focus 
than Lord John Kosse's giant instrument, gave much time to crystal seeing. A crystal 
mirror, or crystal spheroid, is placed before the eyes of the sensitive or medium, who 
first sees a dense cloud form in the mirror, followed by total blackness: afterwards 
come flashes of electric fire or light; and then come psychologic visions of distant 
places, persons, and spirits. The crystal, giving the condition of passivity, affords at 
times wonderful tests. It is a species of clairvoyance." 

On the evening of April 11, a seance was held at the bouse of Mr. 
Everitt, 26 Penton_ Street, London, attended by Mr. Peebles, Mr. 
Maurice, Mr. and Mrs. Taylor, Mr. Mylne (from India) , Mr. Scott, 
&c, and mediums, Mrs. Everitt, Mrs. Burns, and Mr. Shepard, 
when the spirit " John Watt " spoke in audible voice. The spirits 
scattered perfumes through the room. The seers saw a female spirit 
standing by Mr. Peebles ; and he himself heard her gentle voice. She 
was recognized as the spirit " Josephine." The spirits wrote on 
paper and walls without human hands ; and, in several instances, 
they carefully lithographed messages. They shook the house, par- 
tially shattering it, till it required repairing. 

On other occasions the spirits spoke through tubes, played on instru- 
ments, and scattered again the delicious odor of spirit-flowers. " Mr. 
Peebles was suffering from pain in one of the lungs ; and three Indian 
spirits were seen to approach him. Mrs. Burns and Mr. Shepard 
distinctly saw a spirit drawing out a dark, diseased substance from 



WORK IN THE BRITISH ISLES. 263 

Mr. Peebles's breast ; after which, another spirit flooded him with a 
white substance, which soothed the pain, and re-invigorated him." 

At a meeting of Mrs. C. Berry's circle, on Wednesday evening, 
Jan. 19, Mrs. Perrin and Mr. Child, media, together with other 
ladies and gentlemen, including Dr. Ashburner and N. F. Daw, 
Mr. Peebles had an interview with John King, by audible conversa- 
tion. This spirit identified himself as the King who struck him those 
heavy blows at the seance, in Cleveland, Ohio, of the Davenport 
boys, in 1856. The spirit also re-called the interesting incidents of 
that occasion ; when Mr. Peebles remarked to the astonished circle, 
" To John King I owe my final conversion to Spiritualism." 

Thomas Reeves, reporting Mr. Peebles's and Dr. Newton's suc- 
cesses, in "The American Spiritualist," — flowers from the seeds 
these gentlemen sowed, — among others mentions the names of 
John Blackburn and J. Morse, as mediums, and the spiritual demon- 
strations following the agitation of Mr. Peebles's lectures : — 

. . . "It is certain that the impetus given by this gentleman's visit has imparted an 
activity to Spiritualism that was not previously possible. 

..." The spirit-voice is heard at quite a number of circles; and, at Mrs. Everitt's, 
the curious manifestation of lights has been seen by all sitters, including those who are 
in no degree clairvoyant. A few evenings since, balls of fire were observed much larger 
than heretofore; and those in whom the spirit-sight was somewhat developed were able 
to see the spirit form emerge from the lights, and enlarge itself to the size of a human 
being. Mrs. Berry's circle is also sitting weekly; and Mr. Eobson, at Mr. Weeks's, has 
obtained some very curious communications from spirits of olden times, including poets, 
writers, politicians, artists, musicians, and the whole array of developed intellect, as 
well as from soldiers from the battle-fields of the Continent. 

"But Spiritualism is rapidly going beyond the mere phenomenal or matter-of-fact 
phase. The Children's Lyceum is budding, and bearing fruit. A lyceum instituted 
during the past summer in the new lyceum building at Keighley, Yorkshire, is being 
pushed on with great vigor ; and the leaders and children are anxiously awaiting the 
arrival of the new ' Lyceum Guide,' which is being imported from Boston. This move- 
ment is being imitated in other places ; and, indeed, before the season is over, these 
schools will be materially increased. • 

" The labors of the Hon. J. M. Peebles have borne fruit; which will show itself more 
and more as time goes on." 

At Bradford, after an electric lecture, a lawyer popped up, and 
said, " The able gentleman has told us about spiritual things : now 
we would like a test. Show us the ghost, and we will believe ; " and 
sat down, amid a sensation. Mr. Peebles, seldom at a loss for a re- 
ply, rose and replied, " The gentleman believes in God : will he show 
us God? He believes in Jesus Christ: will he show us Jesus 



264 THE SPIRITUAL PILGRIM. 

Christ ? " The audience was in a perfect foam of enthusiasm at this 
happy hit. " I am a lecturer on Spiritual Philosophy," he added : 
" my mission is to instruct by the gift of knowledge, not to show a 
ghost." 

"Walking the street the next morning, his ears were greeted with 
jeers and taunts ; one man vociferating, " There goes the long-haired 
devil-rapper ! " 

An English clergyman, special reporter for " The London Daily 
Telegraph," a paper in the interests of the crown, gives quite an 
elaborate review of Spiritualism, represented by " three remarkable 
spiritual mediums, — Dr. Newton, Jesse B. H. Shepard, and Rev. 
J. M. Peebles." After summing up the doctor's beneficent mission, 
and Mr. Shepard's musical seances, all in a most sarcastic style, he 
dispatches our " Pilgrim " thus : — 

" The Rev. Jabez Barns, D.D., a Baptist minister of Paddington, considerably surprised 
us all by mounting the platform, and indorsing the claims of Dr. Newton and the teach- 
ing of Mr. Peebles. So very complimentary was he to Dr. Newton, that the doctor 
could not bottle up his beneficence, but begged pardon for interrupting the speaker, and 
greeting him with a brotherly kiss! Mr. Peebles spoke little; but what he said was a 
multum in parvo. As the mission of Dr. Newton is fatal to pharmacopoeias, so is Mr. 
Peebles destined to demolish doctrines, creeds, and churches, at one fell swoop. 

. . . "Mr. Peebles, at the Cavendish Rooms, succeedingto the mantle of Mrs. Emma 
Hardinge, discourses of Spiritualism to the accompaniment of approving raps, presum- 
ably from Hades." 

" Human Nature," a scholarly monthly journal, edited and pub- 
lished by J. Burns, says, among other important reports of spiritual 
movements, — 

" The work is extending itself into the provinces. Mr. Peebles has visited Norwich, 
and addressed earnest, intelligent, and influential meetings. He is invited to Halifax; 
and other places are making arrangements. Where there are two or three Spiritualists , 
in a place, they need be under no misapprehensions in making arrangements for Mr. 
Peebles. The first two meetings should be called by special invitation, and be held in 
some gentleman's drawing-room or parlor. Another Spiritualist might invite his circle 
of friends to his house on the following evening ; after which, a modest public meeting 
might be ventured on, to be followed by a second, which might be considered enough 
for a beginning. From such safe and agreeable proceedings, useful organizations would 
certainly spring up, and great good be effected. Mr. Peebles is just the man for this im- 
portant work, — a work which is sternly demanded in England, and which every earnest 
reformer sighs for." 

" The Norfolk News " reports his lecture in St. Andrews Hall, 
Norwich, on Thursday evening, Feb. 15, as a news-item. At the 






WOEK IN THE BEITISH ISLES. 205 



close, some one rose and asked, "What is the use of Spiritual- 
ism?" Mr. Peebles replied, — 

" That is a Yankee question. [Laughter.] We should not say, ' What is the use of 
it?' but, 'Is it true? ' The use of it is to show that there is a future life, and to 
corroborate the Bible histories. The use of it is to roll up the curtain, and show to 
us those we love. It teaches us that there is no death. The lecturer, in conclusion, 
made some telling observations in relation to the restraining influence that would be ex- 
ercised over the viciously inclined by the thought that there are present with them, 
watching them in all their doings, the pure spirits of those who love them." 

Noticing some portly gentlemen, who, it might be inferred, were 
accustomed to wine, evidently desirous of having the spiritual gifts, 
he related an incident of California experience ; when a person of ani- 
mal habits interrogated him, — 

" ' Can I become a medium? ' I replied that it was needful, in the first place, that he 
should cleanse his body; secondly, avoid liquors ; thirdly, take no tobacco into his mouth; 
next, avoid swine's flesh, and all coarse and gross language ; and then three evenings a 
week go into his closet, and sit down in prayer, passive and calm, for one hour : and, be- 
fore six months had rolled away, he would see the loved ones, or hear their voices, or 
have some other demonstration of their presence. The man went away sorrowful : for 
he could not endure to do all these things." 

Reporting the efforts at Halifax, Yorkshire, the editor of " Human 
Nature " says, — 

" On Monday morning, March 14, we left Mr. Peebles at the Great Northern Kail- 
way, en route for Halifax, where he has had a most successful course of lectures. The 
friends of Spiritualism in that town are thoroughly active and in earnest, as all York- 
shire men are when they take up a good thing. They accordingly hired the finest public 
hall in the town — the Mechanics' Hall — for Mr. Peebles's lectures, charged Is., 
6d., and 3d. for admission, Sunday, 2d. The meetings were small to begin with, and it 
is an immensely large hall ; but the interest increased : and much excitement was created 
by the free discussion and questions answered by the lecturer each night. It is reported 
that five clergymen were present on one evening, and three on another, one of whom 
h&L the good breeding and ' Christian ' charity to call the lecturer an 'infidel' to his 
face. The consequence of all this is, that the committee have cleared their expenses 
with something over; and everybody is extremely pleased except the ' devil and the 
Orthodox.' 

" Spiritualism has attained a position in Yorkshire which is not dreamed of by the 
people of the South. The Sunday meetings at Halifax are held in a nice snug hall, 
capable of seating three hundred, has a fine organ, and some one that can play on it. 
Similar good news hail from Keighley. Mr. Weatherhead is building a handsome hall 
at his own expense; and this ancient headquarters of progress seems determined to 
maintain its supremacy. 

" We rejoice in the success that attends the labors of our friend Mr. Peebles : no 
man can more fully deserve it. We require such a speaker and mediator between truth 
and the people amongst us at all times. Those who desire a visit from him should 
make arrangements without delay." 



266 THE SPIRITUAL PILGKIM. 

"When that minister at Halifax called Mr. Peebles an " infidel," he 
rose calmly and said, — 

u You call me an ' infidel.' Sir, do you believe in Jesus Christ?" 

" Yes," answered most emphatically. 

" Do you believe in the gifts of the Holy Spirit, promised to be- 
lievers? " 

" I do most assuredly," replied the minister very coolly. 

" Very well : I test you by Christ's own words, ' These signs 
shall follow them that believe, They shall cast out devils ; lay hands 
on the sick, and they shall recover ; make the blind see, the deaf hear, 
the lame walk,' &c. Do these signs follow you, sir?" 

"Ahem, — well, — no!" 

" Very well ; then you are not a believer : you are an infidel ! " 

At this crisis, another clergyman, seeing the predicament of his 
brother, volunteered his services, saying, " I wish to ask the speaker 
one question. You took your text from the New Testament. Are 
you a believer in Jesus Christ ? " 

" Most assuredly, my brother," replied Mr. Peebles. 

" Do any of these spiritual gifts follow you, Mr. Speaker? " 

" Certainly : and, among others, I have ' the gift of knowledge,' and 
have come to teach you" answered Mr. Peebles, as the audience 
surged in laughter, and cheer on cheer echoed through the extensive 
hall. 

A writer in the " Unitarian Herald," London, thus speaks of Mr. 
Peebles and his Halifax lecture : — 

" Mr. Peebles is a tall man, with a high forehead, large features, and a long grayish 
heard; which, joined to his strange dress, give him a look that is not of this world. The 
shape of his head and face reminded me much of Mr. Baxter Langley, in spite of the 
difference of manner and complexion. 



" I heard Mr. Peebles's lecture at Halifax during one of his provincial sojourns; and 
he left on my mind a strong conviction of his sincerity and originality. 1 believe that 
I saw before me a man who had studied human life and religious ideas in strange and 
unwonted aspects; had dared to read God and nature with his own eyes, and to tell the 
world what he had seen there. I had met men before who had the courage to think 
the truth, and one or two (possessed of large private fortunes and very submissive 
wives) who even dared to speak it; but I have never seen a man who would give up his 
life to the work of spreading an unpopular religion over two continents. I listen re- 
spectfully when Strauss, Kenan, Hase, Neander, Prof. Seeley and Mr. Liddon tell 
me all that they have found out of manuscripts and lexicons as to what the life of 
Christ must have been ; but I shall drink in every word that Mr. Peebles, resting from his 



WORK IK THE BRITISH ISLES. 267 

apostolate, will tell me as to what the life of Christ is, and perchance find in c Jesus, 
Myth, Man, or God,' a living solution of the greatest of life-problems. 

" He expatiated on the diversity of religions that he had seen in his Eastern wander- 
ings, and the multiplicity of sects amongst Christians. He sketched several of the 
sects sarcastically, not sparing even the poor Unitarians; and finally, ' There is 
the English bishop, a nice man, with very white hands, and a very fine house, and a 
fine park, and a very fine fortune. He drives every Sunday in a very fine carriage to 
the church, where he will ascend a very fine pulpit, and preach with eloquence and 
vigor from the text, " It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for 
a rich man to enter into the kingdom of God.' " 

" He said to us, ' You call yourselves Christians, and profess to believe in Christ and 
the literal truth of all his sayings. If there is a Christian within the sound of my voice 
who has sold all that he had, and given it to the poor, let him get up and shake hands with 
me. He paused; but all was quiet. He added, shaking his head, 'I am sorry to find 
that you are all unbelievers.' 

" He read several curious passages from old sermons, to illustrate the belief in eternal 
punishment. One described the satisfaction of the saints at the sight of the tortures ot 
the damned in hell, and said somewhat as follows, ' The redeemed husband shall see 
the damnation of the wife that lay in his bosom, and shall shout Hallelujah ! and the child 
shall cry Amen to the tortures of the mother who bore it ! ' And he read the once pop- 
ular American hymn, concluding, — 

' And hell is crammed 
"With infants damned 
Without a day of grace.' 

" The most interesting part of the evening was the discussion which followed the 
lecture. Several warm opponents attacked Mr. Peebles; and the dexterity with which 
he answered, or at times evaded, their arguments, was a curious contrast to the earnest- 
ness of his earlier manner. The vociferous enthusiasm with which several female 
auditors received all his sayings, even the most destructive, was highly amusing, and 
somewhat significant. 

" One man got up and said, ' How can you say that Christ never taught the doctrine 
of an eternal hell, when you know the text, " Where their worm dieth not, and their fire 
is not quenched " ? ' At this the gallery — the gallery was acidly Orthodox — felt that a 
poser had been launched, and applauded vigorously. Mr. Peebles looked up at them 
and said, ' The gentleman has quoted a text which he thinks, and you think, says that 
most men will suffer horribly to all eternity ; and, as soon as you hear it, you applaud 
with great joy. 1 am sorry you find any cause for delight in such a prospect.'' 

" One opponent demanded if Mr. Peebles believed in the Bible, and expressed great 
horror when the latter answered, that he believed such parts of it as his reason and 
conscience approved. Peebles then said, ' Does my questioner himself believe in any 
more? I will ask him if he believes the passage I am going to read.' He then turned 
to the chapter in Numbers, and read the precept, to slay the Midianites with their wives 
and children, and to reserve the young women for the benefit of the Israelites. The 
passage took us all by surprise ; and there was an audible and very general cry of horror 
from the audience as he read it. 'Does my questioner really believe that God ever 
ordered such a thing as that? ' The man got up very much puzzled, and very cross at 
the turn things had taken ! ' It is disgraceful to quote such a passage as that. No infi- 
del could use a baser quotation.' Here a woman's voice, audible throughout the room, 



268 THE SPIRITUAL PILGRIM. 

softly said, 'But isn't it the Bible?' and a universal laugh followed. However, the 
Orthodox champion went on : ' I do believe that passage ; I do believe that God gave 
that order. And I believe that the Judge of all the earth must do right, although Mr. 
Peebles may not understand the manner of his working. This is just the sort of text 
that infidels quote; and Mr. Peebles is simply an infidel in disguise.' When all was 
quiet, the lecturer said, ' The gentleman has just called me an infidel. I fancy the 
children of Israel said that Moses was an infidel, when he suggested that they should 
leave Eg3*pt. Certainly the good, temple-loving, synagogue-going, hypocritical old 
Pharisees said Jesus was an infidel. And so the priests and monks said about Martin 
Luther; and so the Church said about John Wesley: they were all infidels. I am 
much obliged to my friend for putting me into such good company.'' " 

On Monday, March 21, James Lingforcl and others invited Mr. 
Peebles to lecture in Leeds, a city of about two hundred and twenty 
thousand inhabitants, out of which about a dozen only could be 
gleaned willing to hear the truth. But the good seed was sown in 
some honest hearts, to be gathered when we are old. He also lectured 
in Corporation Row, Clerkenwell, with great power of convictiou. 
R. Pearce, Secretary of the Association, sent him a handsome letter 
of thanks for his " able services." 

Continually questioned about the " indignity of the manifestations," 
Mr. Peebles furnished his enemies with the following " biblical pill" 
in " The Medium : " — 

" It is often said by the opponents of Spiritualism, that the moving of furniture, the 
producing of rappings, and all physical manifestations, are utterly unworthy work for 
immortal intelligences. Will such consult the following passages of ' Sacred Scrip- 
ture?' 

' At the same time spake the Lord by Isaiah, saying, Go and loose the sackcloth from off 
thy loins, and put off thy shoe from thy foot; and he did so, walking naked and barefoot.' — 
Isa. xx. 2. 

'And the Lord came down to see the city and the tower, which the children of men 
builded.' — Gen. xi. 5. 

' And it came to pass that in the morning-watch, the Lord. . . . took off their (the Egyp- 
tians), chariot- wheels that they drave them heavily.' . . . — Exod. xiv. 24, 25. 

'And Gideon said unto G-od, If thou wilt save Israel by mine hand, behold, I will put a 
fleece of wool in the floor; and if the dew be on the fleece only, and it be dry upon all the 
earth besides, then shall I know that thou wilt save Israel by mine hand. 

' And it was so ; for he rose up early on the morrow, and thrust the fleece together, and 
wringed the dew out of the fleece, a bowlful of water.' — Judges vi. 31, 37, 38. 

* 

" Now, then, if the Lord, according to the Scriptures, commanded Isaiah to go bare- 
foot and ' naked,' came down to examine a ' tower ' that men had built, took off 
the Egyptians' ' chariot-wheels,' and wet Gideon's ' sheep- fleece,' it certainly should 
not be considered either undignified or unworthy of exalted spirits — our immortal 
brothers — to lift furniture, and ' rap out' communications in demonstration of immor- 
tality. Any thing that can subserve divine use, or tend to the amelioration and spiritual 
enlightenment of humanity, is by no means unworthy of an angel from heaven." 



WOEK IN THE BEITISH ISLES. 269 

At London, Mr. Peebles received a lengthy and terse criticism on 
his " Seers of the Ages," by E. S. Wheeler, of " The American Spirit- 
ualist," who claimed that Jesus is nothing but a made-up character .; 
also a criticism, equally pointed, by William Howitt, who, admiring 
the work, regarded one feature of it as Christianly unsound, in that 
it teaches the Unitarian doctrine of the humanity of Jesus. Chris- 
tian Spiritualists in and about London also criticised him severely, 
because of his " anti-Christian teachings." Some one sent him the 
following letter : — 

" Bishopsgate Street, March 15, 1870. 

"My Dear Sir, — It is not from a desire to wound your feelings, but to serve the 
truth, that I write to you upon this occasion. 

" Spiritualism, to become successful in the kingdom, must be managed by men of 
cultured minds, and with a becoming Christian prudence. We neither want the re-in- 
carnation theory of French Spiritualism nor the infidel Spiritualism of America preached 
in our midst. 

" I have heard five lectures from you during the past few months; and in not one of 
them did you mention Christ, — Christ as the only name given under heaven whereby 
we must be saved. 

"Any teachings of Spiritualism not in strict harmony with Christian doctrines and 
influences, though taught in fluent American style, and by a United-States consul, will 
not be received by our English people. This was Mrs. Hardinge's fatal mistake: with 
her lecture against the Trinity, comparing the Triune Godhead to the Rule of Three, and 
her remarks upon Christ's sacrifice for sin, went her influence for good. Also there 
are very serious objections to reserving seats, giving shilling seances, and paying salaried 
speakers, even though imported from America, which erroneously claims to have origin- 
ated Spiritualism ! Paying mediums leans to deception, and the practice of trickery 
for gain. 

" I can not give my adhesion to the most pretending of the spiritual arrangements, 
as they are now being manipulated in London. I do not question your sincerity nor 
ability to teach; but your doctrines are not acceptable to the Christian portion of true 
believers. Respectfully yours, 

"An English Spiritualist." 

Under these criticisms, Mr. Peebles proceeded immediately to write 
a book, entitled " Jesus, Myth, Man, or God," published by J. Burns. 
He gave it his best thought ; enriched it with historic research, fur- 
nishing proof of the personal existence of the man Jesus outside of 
the Christian Fathers or the Gospels ; reviewed Trinitarianism without 
quarter, and exposed the corruptions of the Christian Church, from 
the time of Constantine to the present. He subpoenaed the priesthood, 
and charged them with atrocities and vices from which there is no 
escape. The book is interspersed with sharp hits like this : — 

" Warned, therefore, by the blood-crimsoned banners that have floated and still float 
over Christian lands, in the name of the imprisoned and beggared, the burned and 



270 THE SPIRITUAL PILGRIM. 

persecuted for Christ's sake, in the name of the skinless skeletons of fifty millions of 
slaughtered victims, slaughtered and piled on the bony back of churchal Christianity, 
I protest, as one among sympathizing millions, against having ' Christian ' dragged in 
and imposed upon Spiritualism ! 

" Sectarian Christianity is becoming more and more a moral stench in the nostrils of 
all great and noble souls. Scientists in every enlightened country spit upon its creed- 
stuffed and priest-patched carcass. Profound thinkers make merry over its shattered, 
withered, and soul-less body ! 

Thus using the two-edged sword against anointed falsehood and evil, the author, 
defensive for purity, crediting a man for what he is morally worth, says, " Jesus' sym- 
pathetic character was certainly sweeter than that of the masses of men. His aspira- 
tions were exalted: angels breathed directly upon him. No continued moral perver- 
sions impaired the delicate perceptions of his nature, chilled the fountain of his feelings, 
nor the currental flow of his soul's affections. Married by the inexorable law of affinity 
to humanity, he could not be chained while on his missioned work to another indi- 
viduality. Quick to feel the sorrows of others, the sensitive tendrils of his loving 
heart, constantly attuned and tremulously responsive, vibrated to every child of human 
suffering. He identified himself with sorrow and disgrace, with humanity in its lowest 
estate, that he might the more successfully exert the healing, saving love-power of his 
soul in the redemption of the erring." 

Being evidently somewhat disturbed at the wrangling over the term 
Christian, as a proper prefix to Spiritualism, and wishing to strip the 
word from all unnecessary adjectives, he said in one of his London 
lectures, in words that seemed to pulse in the hearts of his hear- 
ers, — 

" But differ as we may in our theories, when pushed into the mythic realm of specu- 
lative theology, our facts are one. On this common ground, then, this broad platform 
of tolerance and good-will, let us stand a banded brotherhood of true souls, — stand like 
polished shafts of light and truth in the temple of the eternal. 

"As a Spiritualist, striving to conserve the good found in all religions, past and 
present, seeking constantly to lead a holier life, looking trustingly for higher unfoldings 
of truth and fresher developments in the fields of science, I extend the fraternal hand 
of fellowship to each and all; and in this hand buds and blossoms the olive-branch of 
peace. ' By this,' said Jesus, ' shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have 
love one for another.' What matters nationality, clime, or dogma to God, who be- 
neficently ' sendeth rain upon the just and the unjust? ' What cared the Good Shepherd 
of Judea about the color or names of the sheep constituting the flock ? ' Other sheep I 
have,' said he, ' which are not of this fold: them also I must bring; and there shall be 
one fold and one Shepherd.' What will it be to angels when the curtain of immortality 
is uplifted, and you stand in the presence of those glorified hosts? The question will 
not be asked, Were you a Christian Spiritualist, a radical Spiritualist, or a re-incarnation 
Spiritualist; but did you live up to the light you had received as soul-convictions ? 
Were the heart's affections right, and the life-purposes pure? Did you feed the hungry, 
clothe the naked, provide for the orphan, sympathize with the sorrowing; or, scriptually 
expressed, did you ' go about doing good ' ? " 

During his stay in London, Mr. Peebles received the following 
note from Mr. Sen, the distinguished Hindoo temperance advocate, 
scholar and divine : — 



WOEK IN THE BRITISH ISLES. 271 

"4 Woburn Square, W.C., 20th April, 1870. 

"My dear Sir, — I shall be happy to see you here on Tuesday next, at any time 

between two and fire, p.m. I remain, my dear sir, yours truly, 

"Keshub Chunder Sen. 
"J. M. Peebles, Esq." 

"The Medium " reports the interview that succeeded this cor- 
dial invitation : — 

" Our readers will have heard of the arrival and cordial reception in London of this 
gentleman, who is a native of the East Indies, and an enthusiastic religious reformer. His 
object is to establish the primitive religion of a belief in the one spiritual God, and a 
practical duty of education, and works of progress and philanthropy. Already a number 
of churches are in existence in Hindostan ; and the movement is being carried on with 
great enthusiasm, renouncing idolatry in every form, breaking down caste, and pro- 
moting knowledge and mental freedom. On Tuesday afternoon, Mr. Peebles and Mr. 
Burns had an interview with this distinguished visitor, and gave him to understand, in 
the name of the Spiritualists of Britain and America, that they deeply sympathized 
with his mission; which was in most points identical with the objects sought by Spir- 
itualists. They informed Mr. Sen that Spiritualism had the same monotheistic basis as 
the 'Brahmo Somaj,' of which he is the distinguished leader, and that Spiritualists 
labored to disinthrall mankind from sectarian caste, social caste, property caste, and 
from the galling bonds of ignorance and superstition, forged for society for many ages 
by an ignorant, bigoted, and self-interested priesthood, and the slough of misery and 
vice entailed on the people by the unwarrantable dominance of rulers and aristocrats 
over property and personal liberty. Our friends found in Mr. Sen an intelligent man, 
and a brother, whose social and theological views are far in advance of the popular 
theology of this country. Mr. Sen gave some information respecting the supernatural 
beliefs of his countrymen; who are superstitious, and require to be educated and 
directed. He is well acquainted with Spiritualism, knew our departed friend, the late 
Mr. Nelson of Calcutta, also Peary Chand Mittra of Calcutta, the leading Spiritualist 
of India. We wish India could afford to send over a good supply of such missionaries, 
to teach the true religion which thousands of years ago originated on the banks of the 
Ganges, but which Pagan emperors, licentious kings, popes, bishops, priests, and par- 
sons have degraded into a mercenary trade, to suit their selfish interests." 

An aristocratic wedding : of course he would attend. This note 
was cordial : — 

" Lord and Lady Otho Fitz-Gerald request the pleasure of the Rev. J. M. Peebles's 
(United-States consul) company at St. Martin's Church, on Thursday, 12th of May, at 
eleven o'clock, and to the wedding-breakfast afterwards at one o'clock, at No. 8 Carlton- 
House Terrace." 

About two hundred distinguished guests assembled, — lords, dukes, 
reverends, honorables, marquises, marchionesses, &c. ; who lavished 
choice presents upon the bride, step-daughter of Lord Otho Fitz- 
Gerald, comptroller of her Majesty's household, and also upon the 
bridegroom, " The Rev. George Cockburn Dickinson, married to 



272 THE SPIRITUAL PILGRIM. 

the Hon. Ursula Elizabeth Denison." Their bridal tour was to the 
Holy Laud. The " consul " enjoyed it vastly, thinking all the while 
that hearts are all royal where true love is. 

The merits of our brother's work were recognized in Paris, by 
making him an honorary fellow of the " Societe Parisienne des 
Etudes Spirites," as will be seen by the following letter : — 

" The Paris Societe for Spiritual Studies. Founded at Paris on the 1st of April, 1858, 
by Allan Kardec, 27 Rue Moliere. 

" Paris, May 28, 1870. 
" Sir and Dear Brother, — The Paris Society for Spiritual Studies desires me to 
thank you for the present which you have made them of one of your excellent works, 
' The Seers of the Ages.' One of their members will report on it at a forthcoming 
seance of the society. 

• " They, moreover, are grateful to you for the intention which you appear to have of 
making the books of Allan Kardec known in America. You are thus working towards 
a unity of belief which can only be accomplished to the extent that the lofty doctrine 
of re-incarnation is made clear, on the basis of a rational theory concerning life and 
progress. 

"It seems to us a matter of great importance, that, without regard to differences of 
nationality, all those who share in a common belief should be in constant communion 
of heart and intellect, and that Spiritualism should take an international character. 

" Our society would be proud to count you among those belonging to them. They 
beg you to accept the title of honorary and corresponding member, which they are 
pleased to offer you. Accept our, &c. 

"E. BoNNEMERE, 

" President of the Paris Society for Spiritual Studies, Member 
of the Literary Society, and of the Society of Dramatic 
Authors. 31 Rue de Boulogne, Paris. 
" Mr. Peebles." 

Mr. Peebles was invited into literary circles represented by the 
Brights, Masseys, Howitts, Tennysons, Ashburtons, Jacksons, Burnses, 
Tyndalls, Lockyers, Varleys, Crookes, Wilkinsons, Cooks, Wallaces, 
&c, and was unexpectedly elected a member of a scientific so- 
ciety of distinguished influence. " The Medium and Daybreak " 
says, — 

" When our friend Mr. Peebles went to the East last autumn, he had instructions 
from the Anthropological Societ}^ of London to gather whatever facts came under his 
notice relative to the science of man. To this end he was appointed a local secretary 
for the East. His speedy return to Britain prevented his credentials reaching him in 
Asia; but, since he arrived in London, he has attended some of the meetings of the 
society, and has been presented with a diploma of honorary fellowship and of local 
secretary for Trebizond or elsewhere. Mr. Peebles has ample scope for making anthro- 
pological observations in America, where he has come much in contact with the Abori- 
gines." 



WORK IN THE BRITISH ISLES. 273 

The following is a copy of his diploma : — 

"ANTHROPOLOGICAL SOCIETY OF LONDON 

FOUNDED IN 1863. 

" The Anthropological Society of London, at a meeting held this day, elected J. M. 
Peebles, Esq., United-States consul, a Local Secretary for Trebizond, Asia; in virtue 
of which the present diploma is delivered. 

" J. M. Peebles, F.A.S.L., Honorary Felbw. 

" John Beddoe, President. J. Barnard Davis, Vice-President. 

Dunbar Isadore Heath, Treasurer. C. Stanisland Wake, Dep. Director. 
" London, Nov. 30, 1869." 

Availing himself of the courtesies of the Royal Institution, Mr. 
Peebles attended the meetings of this scientific body. The London 
" Pall-Mall Gazette " reports one of the lectures upon " The Solar 
Spectrum ; " which to our Pilgrim was of great utility, illustrative 
of the effect of spirit-spheres upon mortals, — 

" Last Saturday afternoon, Mr. J. Norman Lockyer, F.R.S., delivered his third lecture, 
at the Royal Institution, upon ' The Sun.' Prince Christian presided ; and among the 
listeners were her Royal Highness the Princess Louise, Lady A. Stanley, Prof. Tyndall, 
Lady Ashburton, Dr. J. H. Gladstone, F.R.S., Mr. J. M. Peebles, American Consul at 
Trebizond, and Sir Henry Holland, Bart., M.D., F.R.S., President of the Royal Institu- 
tion. 

" A parallel beam of light from the electric lamp was passed through a vertical slit, 
from which it emerged into the dark theater. A glass double-convex lens was then placed 
in the path of the light; and, after passing through the lens, the rays were sent through 
two hollow glass prisms, filled with bisulphide of carbon. By this arrangement, the 
different colors in white light were disentangled from each other, and spread out upon a 
screen; where they appeared like a slice cut out of a rainbow, with the red color at one 
end, gradually melting in succession into yellow, green, and blue, till the violet of the 
other end of the spectrum was reached. He then told how the white light of the sun, 
when similarly treated, does not give quite a similar spectrum ; for, instead of the colors 
being continuous, they are cut here and there by vertical dark lines, of which two in 
the yellow part of the spectrum are very prominent. Incandescent gases do not give a 
continuous spectrum under ordinary conditions; and ignited sodium vapor gives a spec- 
trum consisting of two bright yellow lines only and no other color. The two bright 
lines of sodium fall upon exactly the same part of the spectrum as the two dark lines 
in the spectrum of solar light; and it has been discovered, that the two dark lines just 
mentioned are produced by sodium vapor between the eye of the observer and the 
sources of the light of the sun. In proof of this, Mr. Lockyer threw a continuous spec- 
trum upon the screen, the carbon points inside the lamp being Avell impregnated with 
sodium, to intensify the yellow rays. Then outside the slit, and in the path of the 
rays, he burnt some metallic sodium; so that the light from the lamp had to pass through 
the ignited sodium vapor before reaching the screen. It was then seen that the vapor 
absorbed some of the yellow rays, so as to produce a dark band upon the screen ; but it 
18 



274 THE SP1EITUAL PILGRIM. 

did not intercept rays of any other color. Incandescent vapors, therefore, have a ten 
dency to absorb the rays which they themselves emit; wherefore the two dark bands in 
the yellow of the solar spectrum are believed to be caused by an atmosphere of sodium 
vapor between the eye of the spectator and the source of a portion of the yellow light 
of the sun. On the same principle, the presence of other substances in the sun has 
been proved." 

These private letters to us from Mr. Peebles are so descriptive 
and fraternal, we deem them worthy of a place, — 

" London, Feb. 24, 1870. 

" Dear Fbtend and Brother, — . . . Am now speaking every Sunday in London, 
attempting to build up a society. It is the first continuous effort to establish spiritual 
meetings upon a religious basis. All previous took the form of lectures. 

..." Next week I purpose visiting Victor Hugo, the French exile. He is a reputed 
Spiritualist: certainly his words are all aglow with soul. In funeral orations, I think he 
excels all other men. 

..." Soon as possible I desire to write a book on " Mohammedanism and Spiritualism 
of the Orient." It would delight my soul to live in some Oriental country. There 
could I find the promised rest to the weary. 

" Love to Olive, Henry, Hattie, Freddie, Willie, — buds on the life-tree. . 

" I received letters from my dear Dunn, my bosom boy and brother; and how do I 
delight to hear about his excellent wife and two intelligent, sunny children ! Our world 
is so full of loves, it ought to be beautiful and good." * * * 

" London, April 3, 1870. 

" Friend Joseph, — ... One sentence in yours pains me. You ask, ' Have you for- 
gotten the obscure brother, living away here among these snowy hills of Wisconsin?' 
Forgotten ! do you not yet fully know me ? I have never yet forgotten a friend. Would 
sacrifice any thing for you, for your family, for all friends. ... I am tired, weary. It is 
exhaustive, this speaking in London Sundays, and week-day evenings in the provinces. 
I admire these Englishmen. All my prejudices have faded away like the morning 
mists. There is a solidarity in the English character. Slow, but sure, their friendship 
is permanent. Next week I purpose to visit the Isle of Wight, seeing the poet Tenny- 
son, and speaking perhaps one evening. It is rumored there are several Spiritualists 
upon the Isle. Last week, visiting, I tarried a day and night with William Howitt and 
family. Mary, his wife, is an angel. His library is very extensive. His lawn and 
garden abound in beautiful walks. His head is a living cyclopaedia, filled with the wise 
sayings of thinkers in all ages. Next autumn they celebrate their golden wedding. 

Their home seemed to me an earthly paradise." . . . 

* * * 

" London, April 17, 1870. 

" Brother, — ... The wise man and just considereth all circumstances and contin- 
gencies before he scoldeth (Gospel according to James, chap. i. verse thousand.) 

" Your favor of March 30 unbottled its vitriol upon me : the 17th, I was glad to get 
bottle, vitriol, and all. The effect was as delightful as storms and whirlwinds. The 
sky evidently feels better after spilling out hurricanes. Doubtless you are in good 
health now. You tried to complain in your last, but did not succeed. The Christ in 
your composition is continually gaining victories over Adam. Surely, Avhen you would 
do evil, good is present with you. 

..." Dr. Willis left us yesterday for America. He took a good portion of my heart 
with him." ... ~ * * 



WOEK IN THE BRITISH ISLES. 275 

" London, April 18, 1870. 
" Dear Brother, — ... Spiritualism has performed its first cycle. Curiosity for 
the phenomenal is subsiding. Another angel will soon sound an alarm in the heavens. 
This will awake us to the moral necessity of embodying the practical with the funda- 
mental principles. Thinkers and scientists are searching for the harvests of these 
twenty years' sowing. . . . 'Watchman! what of the night?' I am recruiting a 
week in Hammersmith at the home of Mrs. Morris, a cousin of Robert Dale Owen. 
She has a private library of four thousand volumes. What a feast ! " 



" London, 15 Southhampton Row, W.G., May 13, 1870. 
" Dear Brother, — A veil, a deep veil, has hung like a pall over me for several days. 
Causes, great mental labor and earnest opposition to my efforts from secularists and a 
few Christian Spiritualists. When shall we all learn to practice toleration? Some 
Spiritualists here believe in the vicarious atonement and other churchal dogmas ! How 
long must I, a peace-man, be forced to fight with tongue and pen? I confess I 
weary of life's battles, and sigh for a hermit home with only books, paintings, flowers, 
and fny sweet angels. . . . My inspiration leads me to ignore all prices for speaking; 
to go into the by-ways and lanes and the very church-doors, crying aloud, and sparing 
not. My heart is with the people. I take no pleasure in preaching to saints. Are 
there any ? Did not Jesus come to ' save sinners, of whom I am chief ? ' . . . To- 
morrow I return to the residence of J. Burns and family, — good, faithful workers. Never 
can I forget their kindnesses. Note the beautiful penmanship of my amanuensis, Thos 
Reeves. He is the soul of integrity." * * * 



CHAPTER XXXII. 

EUROPEAN CORRESPONDENCE. 

" Life can be as lovely as its best moods. . . . 
Id tbe wine of love is tbe truth of life." — Gail Hamilton. 

Early in 1870, Hudson Tuttle proposed to Mr. Peebles that they 
publish " A Year-Book of Spiritualism ; " the former editing the 
American department, and the latter the European and Asiatic. 
Appreciating its need, these gentlemen corresponded with the leading 
Spiritualists throughout the world, and ushered in 1871 with a beau- 
tiful eclectic work, published by " The Banner of Light" Company, 
statistical, representing Spiritualism in all its phases by its scholars. 
Each year they will issue a new volume, marking the progress of 
the angels' gospels. 

Mental impressibility, conversation, and public speech, epistolary 
correspondences, and the press, are the methods of Spiritual com- 
merce. Mr. Peebles employs them all. Whilst in Europe, his cor- 
respondence was immense, as in America. At times he was obliged 
to engage an amanuensis. Aside from the personages herein noticed, 
he received valued letters from Mrs. DeMorgan, author of " From 
Matter to Spirit ; " M. Martin Tupper, author of " Proverbial Philos- 
ophy ; " Mrs. McDougold Gregory, wife of a distinguished professor 
of Edinburgh College, who, in the spirit-land, sends to her the angels' 
wisdom ; Mrs. Max Miiller, wife of the great Sanscrit linguist ; Gerald 
Massey, the Spiritual poet ; Tennyson ; Baron von Schickh, the 
Austrian Spiritualist ; Baron Guldenstubbe ; Rev. John Page Hopps ; 
Robert Chambers ; Prince George de Solms, introducing him to his 
grace, Bishop Buguion, who is one of the greatest scholars in the 
world. These mementos of love, flowering with Spiritual thought, 
and so beautifully haloed in friendship, we have no right to pub- 
lish. 

276 



EUROPEAN CORRESPONDENCE. 277 

" Florence, Dec. 13, 1869. 

" My dear Peebles, — ... I am very impatient to meet you. I have told you 
before how my soul has been drawn towards yours. But do try and stay weeks in 
Kome: in two or three days you can see literally nothing of its many wonders. I shall 
want to be with you nights while you are there, and share the same apartment with 
you : for there will be so much sight-seeing days that we shall have no time to give to 
the discussion of the many matters I wish to talk with you about ; and I love dearly 
to talk a while after retiring. I hope you will not deem this a very strange request. 
The Guppys are very kind-hearted and generous. 

" I was persuaded into giving a seance the other night at the villa of a beautiful 
countess here, — one of the loveliest women I ever saw. The manifestations were 
most marvelous. ... I shall want you to see Prince George de Solms while you are 
in Rome. He is genial. Our acquaintance has ripened into a sincere friendship. I have 
a letter from him every week. He bears his princeship in a sensible Avay. Give my 
love to Damiani. . . . God bless you, my dear brother ! Fraternally thine, 

"Fred. L. H. Willis." 

" Florence, Jan. 1, 1870. 

"Mr. J. M. Peebles: Dear Sir, — Under the guidance of the spirits, charged by 
Providence to direct the movement that will conduct humanity to regeneration, you are 
perhaps the chosen instrument in America. Could I, in my naughtiness, trust to the 
many assurances of my Spiritual guardians, I might believe myself to be a chosen one 
for this side of the Atlantic. Vanity, self-love, pride, have nothing to do with the 
thought : the belief to be such an instrument may be cherished without any sentiment 
of worldly purpose ; and what if erroneous, if it gives a holy strength to perform what 
tends to explore and work out always for the diffusion of truth, if it induces even to 
the sacrifice of one's self to attain the glorious aim? 

" Well, dear Mr. Peebles, if you have for the arduous work the confidence in my aid 
that I feel entirely in yours, let us work together, you from the West shore, I from this 
side of the ocean ; and we shall in spirit stretch our arms, and meet to grasp strictly our 
hands, and form the bridge upon which, according to the ardent wish expressed by the 
spirit of Allan Kardec, may be laid the chain of union between the American and the 
European continent-schools of Spiritism. 

" ' The Aurora ' ( ' Daybreak ') will be ready about the 15th or 20th of this month. I 
will direct some numbers by post to Mr. Burns ; and a parcel of fifty I may send from 
Leghorn to New York, directed, if you will let me know. In America are many Ital- 
ians, through whom much good may be done in the way of spreading our dear doctrine. 
An opportune distribution gratis will be the best means. 

" Believe me, dear sir, yours very sincerely, 

"GlROLAMO PARISI." 



" 16 Rue de la Bienfaisance, Paris, Thursday. 

" My dear friend, — I envy you; wish I could be as useful in this great Spiritual 
movement as yourself. It is a glorious thing to be doing God's work, and help extri- 
cate humanity out of its benighted darkness. You can have the five works of Allan 
Kardec for ten shillings. 

..." I will try and get you a photograph of Favre. The young Baron did not send 
you the one he promised, because he could not procure it as expected. 

" I shall be glad to be kept posted as to your movements in the East. I have not 



278 THE SPIEITUAL PILGRIM. 

relinquished the idea of visiting America, and should like nothing better than to 
accompany you to that land of promise. 

" I would like exceedingly to hear your lectures in London. Remember me to the 
worthy Burns and family. I am, my ever dear brother, yours very sincerely, 

" Gladstanes." 

" Our Sargent," of Boston, traveling then in Europe to recuperate 
his health, is a full-orbed Spiritualist of literary rank, being author 
of " Peculiar," " Planchette," " The Woman who Dared," and other 
popular works. His letter is sunny with good sense and energy : — 

" Cannes, A.M. (France), March 21, 1870. 
" My dear Mr. Peebles, — . . . I see that the Spiritualists of England have given 
you a most affectionate welcome ; and I cordially wish you prosperity in your gallant 
efforts to spread the truth as you see and understand it. If more men and women had 
but courage to speak their convictions, how many social and dogmatic shams would 
have their day of death accelerated ! But there is so much fear of treading on the toes 
of conventionalism ! The great work of Spiritualism will be, to emancipate thought, 
to take us out of time-worn ruts, and make us breathe the exhilarant, divine air of 
liberty, calling no man master, and swayed neither by spirits in the flesh nor out of the 
flesh (though their name be Legion) to accept what violates our reason and our sense 
of right. 

" But the wide, the unbounded prospect spreads before me. I must close. 

" Affectionately and sincerely, 

"Epes Sargent." 

Countess Mde. Medina Pomar, a devoted Spanish Spiritualist, in a 
friendly note of encomiums upon Mr. Peebles's labors in London, 
adverts thus to the doctrine of re-incarnation, — 

" We were much disappointed not to have the pleasure of your company last Sun- 
day, whom we waited for so long in vain. Can you not come next Sunday evening? 
I am anxious to meet you, and have a long conversation with you upon that branch of 
Spiritualism entitled re-incarnation." 

" Strada Fiorentine, No. 9. Naples, April 12, 1870. 

" My very dear Brother, — . . . ' The Year-book ' you intend publishing appears 
to me to be a great boon to Spiritualists. . . . 

"You ask a paragraph from me on the state of Spiritualism in Italy. I will write 
as you wish, at the first opportunity, if it be only half a page. I shall also do all in my 
power to contribute to the financial success of your ; Annual.' 

" I have read with intense interest the accounts of your Sunday-evening discourses in 
the metropolis of England. Oh, how I regret not being present at those rich feasts of 
mind! Go on, dear brother, with the grand work of re-generation ; and may the dear 
spirits strengthen your body, thus rendering your task easy ! 

" You have no doubt by this time seen the good queen of England ; whom, I am sure, 
you must have admired for her great affability: but, if she had none of those graces 
which distinguish her, the fact of her being a Spiritualist forms her greatest claim to 
our love and admiration. 

" Pray, take care of your precious health, and believe me to be your true friend and 
brother, G. Damiani." 



EUROPEAN CORRESPONDENCE. 279 

Elder Frederick W. Evans, English by birth, through the church 
into atheism, through atheism into Spiritualism, and thence by his 
own mediumship into the " resurrection state of true believers," 
termed Shakers, — the Essenes of this century, — addressed Mr. Pee- 
bles a lengthy communication whilst in England. We extract from 
its sweetness, — 

" Mt. Lebanon, April 29, 1870. 

" J. M. Peebles : My much esteemed Friend, — I often think of you since you began 
your Old- World ramblings; am glad to learn that the 'Auto' reached you safely. I 
know of no one whom I should prefer to have it. You are one of a class of souls who 
are inspired from the seventh heaven ! Spirits from thence follow you continually ; and 
once in a while, in the stillness of your soul, they minister the elements of the ' Earnest 
Home,' — a joyful sound in the rural districts of Old England. Grand idea, beautiful 
type is that, when the last load of wheat from the harvest-field is coming in with 
the laborers, on the top of the golden mountain, as it moves along towards the garners 
of the husbandman, joyfully shouting at the top of their voices, ' Home, home, harvest 
home ! ' 

"But what language of mortals shall describe the unutterable joy and glory of the 
final harvest home of earth's inhabitants, when the last sheaf, a human soul, shall be 
brought into the resurrection state, and ' the end, the end, has come ? ' ' The harvest is 
ended, and all are saved ! shall be shouted from one heaven to another.' Home, home, at 
last! The harvest of earth is gathered; and we shall all together raise the shout of 
' Harvest home ! ' . . . 

" Accept of the love of our order, and of your friend the writer in particular. Good 
angels have you in their keeping, and will guide your feet aright towards the Zion of 
God as your final home; and in due time after you will come the souls whom you 
have quickened in their spiritual germs to seek a new life. 

" Fai-ewell. From your brother laborer in the Lord's vineyard, 

"P. W. Evans." 

This German correspondent is a scholarly Spiritualist ; and " Luos" 
referred to is a most powerful spirit of rare intelligence and acute- 
ness, — 

" Baden, Germany, May 13, 1870. 
" Friend Peebles, — ... It is a great blessing to be in communion with such an 
elevated spirit as 'Luos,' who has now been in communication with us for about fif- 
teen years, and who formerly enabled my wife to perform wonderful cures by the laying- 
on of hands. Spiritualism has only a beginning here, through our initiatory means; 
but at Leipsic it is all rife through the energy of Count Poninski, who has been lectur- 
ing there. I am told a circle has been formed at Dresden, and a Spiritual journal pub- 
lished in Saxony by Dr. Berthelen. At Vienna a Spiritual circle exists ; but progress is 
exceedingly slow at present in materialistic and priest-ridden Germany. You have 
done great things in England ; and it is therefore a misfortune you are obliged so soon 
to return to the United States. Clerical, sectarian orthodoxy is a sad dead-stop to 
progress ; but it will have to give place eventually to the divine revelations of Nature, 
and the teachings of the ' angels of the Lord who encamp round about them that love 
him.' 



280 THE SPIRITUAL PILGRIM. 

" My wife unites with me in expressing to you that loving attachment which only 
real Spiritualists can be truly sensible of. Ever yours, 

"A. Kyd." 



Invited by influential citizens, Mr. Peebles intends at some future 
day to visit Australia, " The Continental Isle," and sow the Spiritual 
seed. Messrs. Naylor and Terry speak of many efficient media 
there. Mr. Naylor is editor of the new Spiritual journal, " The 
Harbinger of Light," — 

" Melbourne, Australia, May 15, 1870. 
" J. M. Peebles: My dear Sir, — ... I read your ' Seers of the Ages ' with avidity, 
and made use of your valuable information iu several lectures ; which I delivered last 
year, copies of which, together with ' Glow-worm,' shall shortly be forwarded to you. 

"I am, my dear sir, yours fraternally, 

" B. S. Naylor." 

" Melbourne, Victoria, Australia, May, 1870. 
" J. M, Peebles, Esq. : My dear Sir, — Spiritualists here are not very demonstrative: 
but we have many earnest workers, preparing the ground, and sowing the seed ; which 
is already springing up in many unlooked-for places. We wait our time to organize, 
and expect, when we do so, to have the requisite material to secure strength and cohe- 
sion. " Yours fraternally, W. H. Terry." 

Making inquiry of Anna Blackwell about the Kardec books, Mr. 
Peebles received a beautiful letter, from which we extract a few 
thoughts. Her writings grace the pages of English magazines. 

" Paris, Wednesday, 1870. 
"Dear Mr. Peebles, — . . . These views of re-incarnation purport to be given by 
the spirits of the Evangelists, sent by Christ (our planet's presiding sidereal spirit), to 
explain what the ignorance of the time compelled him to leave under a veil. . . . Christ 
lived right from the beginning, which we have not done; he reached the sidereal degree 
eternities before us ; he is divine only in the figurative sense in which we all shall 
be when we reach that degree, thus giving its final death-blow to the polytheism of 
which the first Christian form of belief is the last example. For, when once the world 
comes to see that that most glorious and beautiful spirit is no more " God " than we are; 
that he was made, tempted, educated, just as we are, though " without sin," — there will 
be no danger of any other polytheistic notion obtaining credence ! 

. . . Yours very truly, 

" Anna Blackwell." 

Inquiring of Mr. Sammons about Spiritualism in South Africa, 
Mr. Peebles was informed there had been a little agitation in that 
isolated spot. We extract a paragraph : — 



EUROPEAN CORRESPONDENCE. 281 

" Cape of Good Hope, South Africa, 
Cape Town, May 20, 1870. 

" J. M. Peebles : Dear Sir, — ... I have followed you in many of your sayings 
and doings, since you have been in England, and read with great pleasure the object 
and first attraction that drew you there, — which was a singular proof of faith and con- 
fidence. . . . Believe me, dear sir, your obedient servant, 

"W. L. Sammons." 

" Sagna la Grand, Isee of Cuba, Feb. 14, 1870. 
" My dear Friend, — ... Spiritualism is not widely known here, though many are 
inquiring. I have long known you through ' The Banner ' and your published works. 
While wandering, why not come to us, bringing with you a good test-medium? thus 
giving us both phenomena and philosophy. You would meet with a cordial reception 
in this country. ... I am a Spaniard, coming to this country fourteen years ago. I 
have been in your country twice. I am anxious to become developed as a medium ; 
then I should have the knowledge within myself. I am very anxious to form your per- 
sonal acquaintance. . . . Most sincerely thine, 

"Eulogio Pricto." 

The following, addressed to Mr. Peebles in deep mourning, indi- 
cates the appreciation in which he was held in London by those 
especially most in need of the heavenly light. Mrs. Morris is an 
esteemed cousin of Hon. Robert Dale Owen. 

" 8 Theresa Terrace, Hammersmith, "W. London. 

"My dear Friend, — I am honored and delighted to find that you will come and 
visit a poor widow, who will give you a hearty welcome to her humble, quiet home. . . . 
How I prize your glorious work ' The Seers, &c.' ! Your Spiritualism is exactly, I 
think, like mine. What glorious thinkers and writers you have in America! . . . There 
is so much Orthodox Church cant and all kinds of uncharitableness against those who 
do not swallow, or rather pretend to do so, all the absurdities of Trinitarian doctrines, 
that the Spiritualists form here two antagonistic branches. 

" How beautiful was your discourse last Sunday ! It ought to have been preached in 
some of our grand empty city churches. With God's blessing, may you soon recover 
is the prayer of your friend ! Carolina H. Morris." 

As we read the following, the soul is stirred, for we think of the 
ancient brother-seers who made " Vishnoo " a study. India is a 
soul-mother of religion. May the morning-sun of the Spiritual Gos- 
pel rise again upon her sacred lands ! — 

" Calcutta, 11th June., 1870. 
" J. M. Peebles, Esq., Southampton Row, London. 

" My dear Sir, — I must ask you to pardon me for the delay I have made in reply- 
ing to your favor of the 4th April last. Though I have been a Spiritualist for many 
years my knowledge of the Spiritual circles existing in the different parts of the country 
is very limited, and I fear I can not be of mucn use to you. I have never taken any in- 
terest in external manifestations, and have devoted my entire attention to the study of 



282 THE SPIRITUAL PILGRIM. 

my soul and its varied phenomena in connection with the external world, and the 
nervous system, and its subjectivity by itself, or by freedom from phenomenal states. 
This study is ennobling inasmuch as it raises us above all creeds and sects, and brings us 
into intimate communion with God, his will and providence. I have got to say a 
great deal on the subject of Spiritualism from my own experience; which with me is an 
accomplished fact. Though I have read a large number of books on Spiritualism, I con- 
fess I have found in most of them a great deal of error, or, in other words, what I have 
known otherwise from my own experience. I shall be delighted to see you here. 

" Yours fraternally, 
"Peak Chand Mittra." 

" Sept. 25, 1869. 
" My dear Sir, — ... Thank you for your very splendid lecture on Spiritualistic 
belief. Of course, we do not agree in all points ; but we do in the grand principles of a 
spirit intercourse, and that will progressively open up to us all the rest. 

" Wishing j t ou a prosperous journey, I remain, my dear sir, yours faithfully, 

"William Howitt. 
" J. M. Peebles, Esq. 

" P.S. We had a most interesting sdance at the Everitts'. * John Watt ' talked like 
a philosopher, and, what was better, like a Christian philosopher. The Everitt medium- 
ship is eminently satisfactory. " W. H." 

The following is an extract from a note sent Mr. Peebles by a dis- 
tinguished professor of Oriental languages in one of the English 

Universities : — 

" Sept. 25, 1869. 

" My dear Mr. Peebles, — I have been for the last few days so much engaged with 
the Nawab of Bengal, that I have been unable to write to you before. . . . Should you 
come here, which I hope you will soon, I shall be happy to show you all the attention 
and hospitality in my power. I will keep a look-out for any traces of Spiritualism in 
my Oriental reading", and send you them from time to time. For the present I send you 
two instances, which I think will interest you. 

" Mr. Pearce tells me you have been good enough to give him a copy of your ' Seers 
of the Ages ' for me. I am extremely obliged to you, and shall read it, I am sure, with 
much pleasure, and because it is memoi'ial of a very pleasant acquaintance which I 
hope will continue." * * * 

Having visited Scotland and Wales, Mr. Peebles resolved to know 
something from personal observation of " The Emerald Isle." Writ- 
ing, he received the following from two distinguished gentlemen of 
Dublin, both patriots and liberalists, the one ex-lord-mayor, Sir 
John Barrington : — 

" General Printing-Office, Dublin, Ireland, April 30, 1870. 
" James M. Peebles, Esq. : Dear sir, — . . . So you have a touch of the ' Round- 
tovrer-apkobia 1 ' I had a slight attack once myself, but a dose of sound practical sense 
recovered me. I am a disciple of O'Neill, who says, • They were evidently built by 
the ancients to puzzle the moderns.' There was never a greater success. In the libra- 
ries of the British Museum is his great work on the ' Ancient Crosses and Round 
Towers of Ireland.' Command my services at any time. . . . Truly yours, 

"Iyer McDonnell." 



EUROPEAN CORRESPONDENCE. 283 

" Dublin, May, 1870. 
"J. M. Peebles, United-States Consul, in London: Dear sir, — I was glad 
when I read your note this morning, and to find that you had not forgotten your 
promise to visit Ireland. I shall be happy to see you, and do what I can toward 
showing you any thing of interest in Dublin and its neighborhood. 

"Believe me, yours faithfully, 

"John Barrington." 

Through the mediumship of Dr. Dunn, the spirits affirm that these 
" Round Towers " were erected by the ancient Medes, though built 
about the time of the origin of Christianity. The crosses sometimes 
found near or in connection with them refer to the cross-bows used 
in the warfares of the Medes and Persians. The openings at various 
distances were simply lookouts, and apertures for arrow-shooting 
upon the approaching enemy. 

After a close scanning of the conditions of the Irish, during his 
rustications in their beloved country, Mr. Peebles indites the follow- 
ing, — 

" Dublin, Ireland, May, 1870. 

" My dear Friend, — ... Though my rambles over this city and into the country, 
and my observations in other localities, are quite limited, yet at a glance can I discern 
the general grade of the English government here, and of the Irish character. my 
soul ! come into judgment. How I pain over misrule ! The eagle becomes filthy when 
caged: give him liberty, and how grand on the wing! The history of Ireland is the 
index of her capacity. Such poets as Thomas Moore, such patriots as Eobert Emmet, 
O'Connell, O'Brien, and the like, are the magic of her redemption yet. But look at her 
degradation now; at the ignorance and superstition of her toiling millions; at the grind- 
ing, debasing effects of Papacy upon her devotees ! My God ! is there no spot on our 
green earth where the oppressor's foot has never trod? . . . When will legislators learn 
that governments are for the people, not people for governments ? and that no govern- 
ment on earth is worth a single human life ? Come, angels, and help us reverse the rule ; 
making man, as Henry C. Wright says, ' superior to his incidents.' It is so strange 
to me that kings, queens, and presidents do not see this simple law, — that fealty is best 
secured where the people's rights are best secured. Guaranty by law, executed in 
fidelity, the God-endowed right to ' life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness,' to all 
the people, and educate them up to a just appreciation of these principles, and behold 
the grandeur of patriotism and the peace and prosperity of the nations ! . . . 

" Whilst walking these streets, I seemed to be touched with the fire of the immortal 
Emmet, who, when condemned to the gallows by grave judges because he struck for 
Irish independence, asked for no epitaph over his grave, but ' the charity of its silence.' 
What burning words in his last plea before Lord Norbury, ringing still in every Irish 
heart that loves Erin's isle ! — ' When my country takes her place among the nations 
of the earth, then, and not till then, let my epitaph be written.' The execution of 
that orator smothers my soul: but it finds vent in tears when I remember his love for 
the daughter of Curran, the great Irish barrister, — how he imperiled his life to breathe 
one word of affection into her soul; how she wilted and died in far-off Sicily when her 



284 THE SPIRITUAL PILGRIM. 

hand was given to another; for she loved only as woman can love the patriot Eobert 
Emmet. I recall the mournful melody of Erin's poet, Thomas Moore: — 

' She is far from the land where her young hero sleeps.' 

" Pardon me my deep feelings, brother; for I am hopeful as I weep over martyr-dust. 
Defeats will yet prove successes. Our William Lloyd Garrison, America's friend and 
patriot, suffered a thousand deaths whilst fighting for Afric's sons and daughters ; but 
he triumphed at last; our nation rose to glory, and his name is now sacred. Our tears — 
oh, may they spread a rainbow over this isle of the British sea ! 

' O Erin, my country! thy glory's departed; 
For tyrants and traitors have stabhed thy heart's core. 
Thy daughters have laved in the streams of affliction ; 
Thy patriots have fled, or are stretched in their gore; 
Ruthless ruffians now prowl through thy hamlets forsaken ; 
From pale, hungry orphans their last morsel have taken; 
The screams of thy daughters no pity awaken. 
Alas ! my poor country, thy Emmet's no more 1 ' 

" Thy brother, J. M. Peebles." 



CHAPTER XXXIII. 

THE FAREWELL IN LONDON. 

" Gather up the fragments, that nothing be lost." — Jesus. 

" Storms purify the air we breathe. Rains that rust the corn revive the grass. The refuse 
of the yard makes the peach and pear grow more luxuriantly. Stars that fade from our 
skies only pass to illume other portions of the sidereal heavens. The dewdrops that glisten 
in morning-time from million plants are only exhaled by sun-kisses, to form clouds in aerial 
regions, to fall in copious showers gladdening the earth, while moviug on in rills and rivers to 
the ocean again. Nothing is lost. Our loved ones, whom the world calls dead, have only 
passed to the Summer-Land before us, to return again as ministering spirits." 

* How applicable these words of our Pilgrim to himself ! Hardships 
in Asia, fogs and damps in London, together with severe mental 
labor, had bleached his locks to a venerable gray, — a change in which 
he takes a strange pride ; longing for the day, close at hand, when they 
will be white as snow. Friends in America entreated his return 
home. Friends in England with equal assiduity plead for him to 
remain, if consistent, thinking the summer-flowering might recuper- 
ate his wasted energies. He carried the question up to the oracles ; 
listened to the still voices of his ever-faithful guardians ; and con- 
cluded to return, for there were pressing duties in the Spiritual work 
claiming service in his own America. Learniog his purpose, the 
Spiritualists of London resolved upon some token of their gratitude, 
and appreciation of his labors in the Queen's realm. His farewell 
address, delivered on Sunday the 29th of May, was replete with his 
most inspired thought. We select an extract to indicate its drifting 
wave : — 

" The philosopher sees in the falling and decaying of a leaf, even, the action of life- 
forces, which speak eloquently of resurrections and reconstructions upon the higher 
planes of vegetable existence. Newton, in an autumn day, lying beneath a tree laden 
with golden fruit, saw an apple fall to the earth; and the law of gravitation flashed 
across his mind. Franklin, with kite and striog, called the electric fluids from heaven, 
and threw an eternal fact into the face of all past ages. 

" Now cables stretch across oceans, and magnetic wires girdle the globe. A psycho- 

285 



286 THE SPIRITUAL PILGRIM. 

logic star appearing in the Syrian skies of the East directed the clairvoyant eyes of 
wise men — magi, or seers — to a lowly manger, within which lay concealed causes that 
should ultimately usher in a better and more harmonial era. 

"A tiny rap was heard in the Fox family, near Eochester, N.Y., — in and of 
itself, a minute event; and yet behind those mystic sounds were hidden living, tangible 
demonstrations of a future existence through the present ministry of spirits. The 
rapidity with which this truth has diffused itself into poetry, history, philosophy, and the 
theologies of the different denominations, astonishes even its most enthusiastic advocates. 
Its banner floats to-day beneath all skies. It is kindling a new light in Asia, shining 
in beauty upon the hills of Hindostan, sparkling over the plains of Farther India, 
beaming in splendor throughout the courts of Europe, sounding an alarm from the 
distant isles of the ocean; and each tone is musical with the living fact of immortality, — 
immortality for all the races of men. The army of Spiritualists is constituted of mil- 
lions of devoted followers. It is throwing from the press, constantly, books, pamphlets, 
monthlies, and weeklies. It has in America six weekly organs, and others which devote 
some space to the subject ; between one and two hundred organizations, denominated 
Children's Progressive Lyceums; besides a National Association, several State Con- 
ventions, and thousands of societies supporting regular Sunday-services. The soundest 
jurists, the most logical thinkers, some of the most distinguished Congressmen, and 
certainly the most eminent of American poets, are Spiritualists. 

44 In England you publish 'Human Nature,' * The Spiritual Magazine,' ; The Spirit- 
ualist,' and last, but not least, the stirring weekly, ' The Medium and Daybreak.' 
Each admirably fills its own legitimate position ; and in the kingdom of Great Britain, 
the realm of thought, there is room for them all. The Macedonian cry comes from ft 
quarters, ' Come over and help us! ' Send us mediums; forward us periodicals; furnish 
us lectures ; give us food, — even that bread of God that cometh down from heaven, and 
giveth life to the world. Our friend Burns is sending books, not only to the Continent, 
not only to Australia and New Zealand, but to the farthest isle of the ocean. Surely 
the heavens are opened, the angels are in the clouds of heaven, and ministering spirits 
are working with us for the world's redemption. Lift up your heads, faithful souls ! 
for your redemption draweth nigh. 

"The apostle Paul, when about to leave an Asian church for Kome, wrote thus: 
4 Only let your conversation be as becometh the gospel of Christ ; that whether I come 
and see you, or else be absent, I may hear of your affairs, that you stand fast in one 
mind, with one spirit, striving together for the faith.' And, as I am about to leave you 
for my native land, I feel, while appreciating your many kindnesses, to beg of you to 
let your conversation — that is, your daily moral deportment — be such as to honor the 
divine principles you profess ; so that whether I come and see you, or be absent, I shall 
hear of your affairs, that you stand fast in one spirit, and that the spirit of harmony and 
charity, with a mutual co-operation for the upbuilding of Spiritualism. It seems not 
only opportune, but providential, that Dr. Newton, at this particular hour, with his 
wonderful healing powers, and yet abounding with the love of the angels, the gifts of 
the spirit, should appear in your midst. But gifted and consecrated as he is to the 
apostolic work of causing the lame to walk, the blind to see, the deaf to hear, he (like 
the gentle Nazarene) has not where to lay his head. London, London, busy, 
bustling, selfish, sordid city of millions, how little you appreciate the brother whose 
hands are as palms of healing for the nations of the earth ! It matters not what the 
people, nor what a catering public press, may say: God and God's angels are with him, 
and that to bless humanity. 



THE FAREWELL IN LONDON. 287 

41 1 see before me Mr. Shepard, who, aided and instructed by immortals, has himself 
become the very soul of music : I further see Mr. Morse, ever controlled to breathe 
trance-utterances, rich in philosophy and wisdom; Mrs. Everitt, whose mediumship has 
convinced thousands of immortality ; and other mediums who are also present, and are 
sowing the seeds of heavenly harvests. And, further, I can not let the moment pass 
without speaking of the Progressive Library, under the supervision of our friend James 
Burns. This is ' The Banner-of-Light ' institution of Great Britain. It is a center, a 
grand rallying-place, for Spiritualists from every point of the compass ; and as you love 
Spiritualism, as you love the promulgation of truth, and as you appreciate my feeble 
labors during the past four or five months, I beg, I entreat of you, to sustain and 
encourage Mr. Burns in his noble work. Few know his labor, his self-sacrifice, and 
devotion to the principles of our philosophy. In early morning he is at his post of duty; 
and often the midnight hour and the small hours of morning find him inditing articles, 
furnishing editorials, planning seances, and devising other means for the propagation of 
a broad, free, unsectarian Spiritualism. 

" But now comes to me the saddest hour of the past several months. It is to thank 
you for individual and social kindnesses, and confess to you a deeper appreciation of 
Englishmen and English character the more thoroughly I have been brought into social 
relations with you for the advancement of a common cause. Not a jar has marred our 
general harmony. Those who were faint-hearted when these religious meetings com- 
menced are now strong and united, awaiting the return of the distinguished worker, 
Mrs. Hardinge, to carry them on to still greater victories. Though far across the blue 
waters, I shall delight to hear of your affairs, — to learn of your temporal and spiritual 
prosperity, and know that Spiritualism has become an acknowledged power in this great 
world's metropolis. With me, friendship is no idle word: I do not like, but I love my 
friends with a true soul-affection. Such friendship buds upon earth only to bloom in 
heaven. I shall never, never forget you, good friends, nor the many happy hours that 
I have whiled away in your society as a fello w- worker ; and from my heart of hearts I 
can only exclaim, ' God and his good angels keep and bless you! ' If in the enthusiasm 
of my nature I have said one harsh word, or breathed one unkind thought, forget and 
forgive. ' To err is human ; to forgive, divine.' " 



" The Medium and Daybreak " thus reports one of Mr. Peebles's 
Sunday meetings in London : — 



"It would be difficult to imagine a place more completely packed with human 
beings than the Cavendish Rooms were on Sunday evening. Dr. Newton was expected, 
and the Spiritualists and sympathizers turned out in a body to meet him. The usual 
attenders dropped in early; and the arrangements were so admirable, and the friends so 
helpful, that no discomfort or disappointment was experienced. Thanks are due to Mr. 
Humphrey for his efforts to seat the hall as thoroughly as possible. Mr. Peebles 
delivered an admirable sermon, exactly suited for the occasion, of which we can give 
only a few extracts. He said that in the Gospel as recorded by John, we find this 
language : ' You shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.' 'As I lift my 
eyes as far as I can, and take a moral survey of the universe, I see, or seem to see, men 
thrusting out their soul-feelers, and asking anxiously for the highest and best form of 
truth. It is no more natural for water to find a level, it is no more natural for the mag- 
netic needle to turn to the north pole, than it is for the human soul to search for truth ; 
and it is a fact, that truths must not only be born in mangers, but they must be crucified, 



288 THE SPIRITUAL PILGRIM. 

and that, too, frequently between thieves. They must be baptized in tears before they 
can become mighty forces, swaying the masses, and leading them on step by step to 
higher and more divine planes of mental ar.d spiritual life. We are created in God's 
own image; and it thus becomes us to use those reasoning faculties that we thereby 
inherit. Hence we should sanction nothing fresh in science, no dogma of the past or 
present, until the same has been carefully investigated and candidly weighed in the 
balance of reason; and thus we shall be ready at all times to give to every man a 
reason for the hope that is within us.' Mr. Peebles said that the natural man is com- 
posed of two elements, — the physical and the spiritual. The physical body is merely 
an echo of the more real one it represents. The flesh, blood, bones, and hair are 
merely the outward signs of an inward and spiritual man. When Crito came crying 
and weeping to Socrates, just after he had drained the hemlock cup, and asked where 
they might bury him, Socrates, though in the agony of death, smiled, and said, ' Verily, 
just where you please, if you can catch me.' Socrates knew they could not bury him; 
only his shell. Spiritualists sometimes speak of burying a person: but this they should 
not do; they should speak out and live out their philosophy, that others may hear and 
see it. Spiritualism gives us a correct idea of a spiritual man and the spiritual life. In 
stating that there is no such thing as death, Mr. Peebles said he had lately been shown 
a letter from Mrs. Hardinge, in which that lady said she had recently been speaking in 
Bridgewater, United States, where lived a Mr. Kingman, a venerable old man, who was 
an ardent admirer of Mrs. Hardinge, and who had expressed a wish, that, whenever he 
passed away, Mrs. Hardinge might attend his funeral. On the evening of her address, 
the old man went to the hall before it was open; and with much enthusiasm he took 
his seat with his family; and, just as Mrs. Hardinge entered, he fainted. Some one told 
her that Mr. Kingman had fainted : but she said, 'No: he is dead.' They replied, it 
was not possible; but neither water nor fanning nor magnetism could bring him back to 
physical life. He was in the spirit-world; and yet he spoke to Mrs. Hardinge within five 
minutes of his departure, saying, ' I shall hear your lecture now ; ' and, during the 
lecture, there came two tremendous sounds upon the desk, that startled the whole audi- 
ence. Mr. Kingman had been an excellent man, and much respected, and his friends 
wished that Mrs. Hardinge should speak a few words to the mourners i but the churches 
were refused for that purpose. At length one was procured, but on the condition that 
only ladies should have admission. The address was announced; and a great number 
of persons came to hear, the road being literally filled with carriages: and in that 
church Mrs. Hardinge delivered a grand and eloquent discourse, and withal so simple 
and touching, that nearly every eye was bathed in tears; and, when she arrived home, 
she heard the voice of Mr. Kingman say, ' I have heard every word of your lecture.' 
'Thus,' said Mr. Peebles, ' there is no death. The immortal loved ones live, and walk in 
white ; and, if we would live more spiritual lives, we should be able to walk and talk 
with them more readily than we do now, and thus be able to prepare ourselves for the 
future life.' " 



One Thursday evening, Jane 20, a meeting, convened to bid fare- 
well to Mr. Peebles before his departure, was held in the Caven- 
dish Rooms ; H. D. Jencken, barrister-at-law, presiding. 

The ladies had arranged all in exquisite order for song and recita- 
tion between the intervals of the speeches. Mrs. Varley, Miss Keene, 
Mr. Shepard, Mr. Peele (reciting a poem of Mrs. Mary Hovvitt), 



THE FAREWELL IN LONDON. 289 

Mrs. James Hicks, Mrs. Morris, and others, constituted a musical and 
recitative orchestra of a most enlivening inspiration. The room was 
beautifully decorated under the artistic management of Mr. Lander, 
Mr. Taylor, Mr. Slous, Mr. Hockley, Mrs. Berry, Mr. Henderson, 
Mr. Dixon, Mr. Duguid, Mr. Everitt, Mrs. Varley, Mr. Rippon, 
Miss Hay, Mr. Childs, and Mr. E. T. Bennett, who contributed ob- 
jects of interest. 

The report of this ever-memorable meeting is from "The London 
Spiritualist : " — 

"The president, in his opening remarks, stated the purpose for which the meeting 
had been called, and spoke highly of the capacity for work and the disinterestedness of 
Mr. Peebles. He told how Mr. Peebles had organized the Sunday-evening meetings in 
the Cavendish Rooms, and that not upon a sectarian, narrow type, but upon principles 
which would admit all kinds of Spiritualists. He had also aided similar institutions in 
other towns, and had been endeavoring to found Children's Lyceums for the education 
of children. . . . 

" Of late years, Spiritualism has been spreading very rapidly in England; and he was 
indebted to Mr. Harrison, who sat by his side, for the idea that at first Spiritualism, like 
a stone thrown into the water, made only a small ring, but gradually threw out larger and 
larger circles, till at the present time it covers a very extensive area, and before long it 
will begin to clash with vested interests. When that is the case, there will be considera- 
ble agitation and disturbance." 

The president read the following resolution : — 

" That this meeting heartily expresses its warm appreciation of the distinguished ser- 
vices of Mr. J. M. Peebles as a lecturer, author, and eloquent expounder of the impor- 
tant truths and high moral teachings of Spiritualism." 

In his commendatory remarks, Mr. Thomas Shorter said, — 

... "He (Mr. Peebles) has presented truth in the spirit of truth, which is the 
spirit of charity. He has given us an example of absolute mental independence, — the 
utmost freedom of thought and expression, combined with the most reverential feeling, 
and with all respect for those whose theological opinions may, in some important respects, 
differ from his own. He has shown not only that these qualities are compatible, but 
that they blend in perfect harmony ; that the one is the natural product of the other: 
for an enlightened reverence, that highest reverence we owe to God, naturally leads us 
to respect all whom he has formed in the image of his own divine nature, and who, 
therefore, are measurably partakers of his Spirit. This union of knowledge and rever- 
ence, this blended action of free intellect and religious feeling, seems to me pre- 
eminently the great need of our present age. We have many men who know much of 
many things; who can count the stars of heaven, and classify the products and inhabit- 
ants of the earth and of the sea; who can tell you why the grass is green, and why the 
sky is blue; and talk learnedly of the genesis of life and its developments; but who 
seem touched with no sense of awe and unutterable wonder at the mystery which life 
presents, no feeling of reverence as before an Infinite Presence, a Holy and Eternal Love, 
which, like the blue sky, bends over all : One in whom we live and move, and have our 

19 



290 THE SPIRITUAL PILGRIM. 

being ; One with whom we can hold communion, and in whose faithfulness we can trust, 
— a consciousness which, when deeply felt, thrills the heart, causing it to raise the grate- 
ful prayer, or hymn of praise, or to muse in silent worship. On the other hand, how 
many persons there are of sincere and fervent but narrow piety, with no ample stores 
of varied knowledge, no large and liberal culture, no intellectual expanse, with horizon 
stretching out toward the infinite, but who sluggishly move through life, pacing round 
and round, and never passing out of or beyond the old narrow tracks of custom and 
tradition ! We want neither an undevout science nor an ignorant devotion. It is not 
good, but most harmful to the individual and to society, for either the spiritual offer- 
tories or the intellectual faculties to remain thus torpid. Let us not pamper any one 
portion of our nature, and allow another to go lean and starved. We want both mind- 
culture and soul-culture. 

" ' Let knowledge grow from more to more, 
But more of reverence in us dwell, 
That mind and soul, according well, 
May make one music.' 

"He has sought to allay irritation of feeling, to soften the asperities of controversy, to 
exorcise the evil demons of anger and resentment, to do the blessed work of the peace- 
maker, and to enforce the importance and urgent need, of working out those essential 
truths in which we agree, instead of wrangling over those things concerning which we 
differ. There is one consideration which qualifies the pleasure of our present meeting. 
This is a, farewell soiree. There is always a tone of sadness in that word farewell. And 
yet it has another side. It is a word very beautiful, and full of meaning : with us, at least, 
I am sure it is most appropriate and expressive ; for wherever our friend may be, whether 
personally present with us or absent from us, our hearts' sincere wish toward him is, 
and ever will be, fare you well ! It is true, we anticipate with lively satisfaction that 
our friend will ere long return, we hope with renovated health, to carry on the good 
work he has so well begun, not only here in London, but in the provinces. It is, how- 
ever, barely possible that all within the sound of my voice will ever on earth meet 
again : but it is one of the consolations of our philosophy and our faith, that no bodily 
absence, no mountain-barrier or interposing ocean, or even change of worlds, can effectu- 
ally separate those who are one in sympathy and in soul. The 'communion of saints,' 
affirmed by the Church, is but the theological form of expression of a universal truth. 
It is to me one of the most beautiful and beneficent dispensations of Providence, that 
gradually, as we advance in life, the balance of attraction changes, drawing us, with 
steadily-increasing force, rom the natural to the spiritual world. In the early hours of 
our brief day of mortal life, we are surrounded by kindred and playmates, and friends 
and lovers. All is hope and promise. Flowers spring up in our path ; the lark carols joy- 
fully his matin-song; and no cloud dims our bright, blue sky. But as the sun passes its 
meridian, and the shadows lengthen before us, and the cool hours of eventide draw on, 
friend after friend departs ; the father's protecting arm is no longer around us ; we feel not 
the mother's nightly kiss upon our cheek, nor hear the ringing laughter and the merry 
voices of our early home : the balance has turned, and now dips ever more heavily to 
the other side. As this world recedes from us, the other looms larger, and draws nearer: 
and, as our pilgrim-feet near the broad and shining river that rolls between, loved voices 
call to us, and the angel-forms of the departed stretch forth eager arms to welcome us ; 
and we are ready to exclaim with Simeon of old, ' Lord, now lettest thou thy servant 
depart in peace.' We need not, however, wait for the death-angel to usher us into the 
heavenly kingdom : we may, if we will, enter into heaven here and now ; or, rather, we 



THE FAREWELL IN LONDON. 291 

may let it enter into us ; for, as a great philosopher has said, ' Certainly it is heaven upon 
earth for a man's mind to move in charity, trust in Providence, and rest upon the poles 
of truth.' 

"Mr. W. Tebb then seconded the resolution, and reviewed the work performed by 
Mr. Peebles during his stay in London. He said that Mr. Peebles had given his hearers 
most hopeful views about the other life, although he had said little about such dogmas 
of worship as total depravity, original sin, and endless misery, and, instead of such sub- 
jects, had said a great deal about those divine enunciations contained in the ' Sermon on 
the Mount.' Mr. Peebles also had said very little about the sins of the Jews, and a 
great deal about the short-comings of Spiritualists ; which plan he thought quite as cal- 
culated to do good as those teachings which the English public are accustomed to hear. 
(Hear, hear.) At the present time, there are certain political difficulties between this 
country and America ; and if there is one nation to which we are bound by closer ties 
than to another, it is America. He, however, had no doubt that the differences would 
be amicably settled. 

" The chairman then put the resolution to the meeting; and it was carried amid loud 
applause. He afterwards read the second resolution, placed in his hands by the Eev. 
Jabez Burns, D.D., of Paddington: — 

" ' That Mr. Peebles be cordially invited to return to this country again as soon as 
convenient to him, to further the good work of Spiritual enlightenment and organization 
in London and the provinces which he has so devotedly and successfully inaugurated 
during the last four and a half months.' 

"Dr. Bums said that he was exceedingly pleased with both the resolutions which had 
been read by the chairman ; and that he had listened with very much pleasure to the 
address which had been delivered by Mr. Shorter, for it met his own views as to the 
right method of promulgating truth of any and every kind. He had not heard much 
that Mr. Peebles had said; but with such of his teachings as he had read he was de- 
lighted. Whatever was true in Spiritualism would abide; and whatever was not true 
in the movement, those who were listening to him did not wish to abide (hear, hear, and 
overwhelming applause) : therefore he (Dr. Burns) was of the same opinion as themselves. 
All being thus desirous to gain truth, it must be remembered that truth is never gained 
except at a sacrifice; and, in buying the knowledge of truth, many cherished and 
preconceived views must be surrendered. As for the theologies of the day, he wished 
that every form of theology might perish that had not truth in it. Just in proportion 
to the amount of truth which they contain should those theologies live : when they are 
not true, let them die ; and the sooner they die, the better. (Applause.) Those who 
have truth should be manly enough to profess what they believe, and not be ashamed 
of it; though this course of action sometimes requires great courage to follow. He was 
very much pleased with what had been said in Mr. Shorter's address about charity and 
love; for these virtues should be used even in the promulgation of truth. Mr. Peebles 
had once done him the honor to come to a meeting over which he (Dr. Burns) presided; 
and, directly he saw Mr. Peebles, he fell in love with him at first sight: for many years 
ago he had learned some phrenological truth ; so that, when he looked at Mr. Peebles, 
he could not help admiring his noble head, with so much benevolence and affection 
written thereon. At the present meeting, he had marked with delight the gentleness of 
countenance which Mr. Peebles displayed to everybody. He loved him because of his 
lovable spirit. He felt that there was communion of mind between them ; and should, 
for one, be rejoiced to hear when Mr. Peebles came back from America. ... He prayed 
for uninterrupted peace between America and Great Britain. He would rather have 
the healing power to remove sadness and sorrow from human beings than be the mon- 
arch of the universe. 



292 THE SPIRITUAL PILGRIM. 

"Mr. J. Burns seconded the resolution, and spoke of the devotion and laboi of the 
ladies in getting up the meeting, which was entirely their work. He did not repine at 
Mr. Peebles's leaving them, but was rather thankful that he ever came: to grieve would 
be selfishness, ingratitude. His heart was full Qf joy and gladness at the wealth of affection 
which he felt for the guest of the evening. Mr. Peebles had done a great work, not only 
in England, in London, but throughout Europe and the East. He was a living embodi- 
ment of the cosmopolitan genius of Spiritualism, which owned all men as brothers, and 
the wide universe of God as the home of the human soul. Every man gave off an influence 
as he moved about in the world ; and, if it were one of love and goodness, then to travel 
amongst various nations would unite them all in one bond or net of sympathy. He 
hoped to see Mr. Peebles in London again soon. His return had been predicted by 
spirit-agency. Mr. Peebles was in every respect a Spiritualist: he called his teaching 
by no other names, and kept it pure from all creeds. He was almost constantly under 
spirit influence and direction as regards his writings and speaking on this subject. Even 
in matters of health and daily life, he was the special care of dear friends in the spirit- 
world, who, through him, had a work to do for humanity. He felt, therefore, that it 
would be well with their friend wherever he was. God and good angels were with 
him. 

" Dr. Newton said that in Mr. Peebles his hearers had received not only a righteous 
man, but a prophet who had given them evidence that the same power exists now which 
existed years ago. Among the spirits aiding him in his (Dr. Newton's) work of healing 
the sick was Jesus himself. ' These signs shall follow them that believe, — they shall 
lay their hands upon the sick, and they shall recover.' Are these signs in the churches ? 
Do they follow the churches? He (Dr. Newton) had been sent to this country more for 
spiritual healing than for healing the pains of the body ; and this power of healing would 
do a great work in England. The dough has already been raised : soon the bread will be 
put into the oven, and be brought forth for the benefit of those hungry souls who have 
been fed on husks, and who dread an angry God and a burning hell. It is a happy 
knowledge that the brightest spirits that ever walked the earth are Avith us by day and 
by night, and that their love becomes more intensified because they are in spirit-life. 

"Mrs. C. F. Varley then stepped upon the platform, and presented Mr. Peebles 
with a handsome purse upon a crimson cushion, saying, ' I am desired by the ladies 
of the committee to present you with this purse as a mark of gratitude.' The purse 
contained rather more than twenty-five pounds, the proceeds derived from the sale 
of tickets of admission to the meeting. The chairman repeated Mrs. Varley's words to 
the audience. As this was totally unexpected by Mr. Peebles, he was for the moment 
evidently overcome, and unable to collect his thoughts. Some friends present also 
presented him with an album containing good portraits of many of the chief celebrities 
in Europe. 

"Mr. J. M. Peebles then said, 'Mr. President, ladies, and gentlemen, it seldom 
falls to the lot of a mortal to experience a moment so full of real enjoyment as this, 
when rising to return thanks for the honor you have done me upon this occasion, — an 
occasion to me of both joy and sadness. It is not so much myself you intend to honor 
as the heavenly principles of the Spiritual philosophy of which I am but a humble 
advocate. Your terms of commendation, I fear, are above my deserts, however sincerely 
and conscientiously I may have advocated the truth, and discharged my duty as a 
public teacher. Still, fully appreciating them, I shall most gratefully treasure your kind 
works and expressions of good will in the silent memory-chambers of my soul's sanc- 
tuary, — treasure them as the generous overflow of hearts that beat in unison with mine, 
and whose aspirations are to promote the best mental and spiritual interests of a common 
humanity. It is not my purpose to make a speech : infinitely do I prefer listening to 



THE FABEWELL IN LONDON. 293 

others. Looking around, it quite overjoys me to see so many familiar faces, so many 
noble-minded Englishmen, some of whom have already made their mark upon this 
illustrious age in science and literature; so many kind-hearted and earnest believers 
in the ministry of angels, — those angels of God who delight in returning to earth to 
demonstrate immortality, and to aid their mortal brothers and sisters in their weary 
journeyings toward the shores of the better land. The sympathy and friendship of such 
a congregation as I see before me this evening constitute the proudest laurels a man 
can win. Be assured I shall wear them in my heart of hearts till I meet you in the 
upper kingdoms of eternity, where affection is power, where love is life, and life a per- 
petual growth in the good, the beautiful, and the true. The address of the chairman, so 
clear and cogent; of Mr. Shorter, sound and well-timed; of Mr. Tebb, breathing the 
spirit of sincerity and good-will; of the Rev. Dr. Burns, rich, racy, eloquent, and full 
of charity ; of Mr. James Burns, earnest and truly heartfelt, — these, coupled with the 
excellent remarks of others, bountiful in expressions of a general soul-sympathy, all tend 
to bind your better natures to mine with that threefold strand not easily broken. The 
presentations are most acceptable. I shall endeavor to prove myself worthy, not only 
of your friendship, but of the valuable gifts which you have been so kind as to tender 
me. The address of the Rev. Dr. Burns, when speaking of Whitefield, reminds me of this 
anecdote. Whitefield, when speaking once in one of the States of America, suddenly 
stopped, and, turning his eyes heavenward, exclaimed, ' Father Abram, are there any 
Baptists in heaven?' — 'No,' was the response. 'Are any Methodists in heaven?' — 
' No.' — ' Any Presbyterians ? ' — ' No.' — ' Any Churchmen ? ' — ' No.' — Any Unita- 
rians ? ' — ' No.' — ' Who are in heaven, then ? ' — Father Abram replied, ' They are all 
Christians ; that is, good men. They have left their sectarian names and dogmatic the- 
ologies all behind them.' It is not faith, not metaphysical belief, but works and good 
deeds, that entitle to happiness. Beautiful is this spirit of charity which crops out from 
progressive souls in all lands and climes. I can not let this occasion pass without thanking 
the ladies for their efficiency in conceiving and executing the arrangements upon this 
occasion. It has been truthfully said that woman is first in every good word and work : it 
is certain that she was last at the cross, and first at the grave. of the risen Savior. 
Woman's influence has swayed scepters, dethroned rulers, and ever exercises an uplift- 
ing, a healing, and holy influence. Though oceans roll between us, though mountains lift 
their hoary heads to separate us, I shall never forget the warmth of English hearts, nor 
the social enjoyments of English homes; and, though I should never meet you again 
face to face upon the shores of mortality, it is to me a beautiful thought, that I shall meet 
you, know you, and love you, in that world of immortality where farewells are never 
heard, and where friendships and soul-unions are eternal.' " 



CHAPTER XXXIV. 

WATCHMAN, HO ! 

" "Watchman, what of the night ? . . . 
Lo ! the morning cometh ! " 

" There is a tide in the affairs of men." 

" Awake, thou that sleepest ! — arise from the dead I " 

All souls we touch into quickened life are ours to love. Improve 
the opportune moment ; ride in upon the rising wave ; let the pulse 
of inspiration rebound in thy soul. Shall thy enemy occupy thy 
sacred rights ? Beware of procrastination : it steals from reform. 
Behold, another angel is flying in the midst of heaven ; and her voice 
is as the voice of a trumpet on the Mountains of Transfiguration, — 
" Come hither and build ! " 

After a rough and stormy voyage in the steamer " City of London," 
from Liverpool, Mr. Peebles arrived in New York on the evening of 
the 21st of June, 1870. The Spiritual press of America welcomed 
his return. " The Banner of Light," his old tried friend, said, — 

. . . "Mr. Peebles remained in London four and a half months, where he lectured 
on Spiritualism with marked effect ; and much good will be the result. He will be 
warmly welcomed by his many friends on this side of the water. He left New York 
immediately for his home in Hammonton, N.J. ; where he will remain a week or two, 
and then proceed to Washington on business connected with the Government. It is 
Mr. Peebles's intention, we believe, to return to Europe at no distant day, there to con- 
tinue the good work he has begun." 

Emma Hardiuge immediately sent him the following kind greeting. 
She has since, with her husband, gone to London, further to perfect 
the work inaugurated there by Mr. Peebles, and with vast success. 

" Chicago, June 24, 1870. 
" My dear Friend, — . . . Accept my most hearty congratulations on your trip, its 
results, your safe return, and mental satisfaction with all that has passed. You have 
surely done a most noble work in my native country, for which God and angels will 
bless you." 

294 



WATCHMAN, HO ! 295 

Saddened over the suspended life of " The Universe," but " patient 
in tribulation," ever preserving the equanimity of charitable forti- 
tude, he went right to work again, after a few days' rest in his own 
home, with renewed energy and resolution. Westward, lecturing by 
the way in Milan, Ohio, in Battle Creek, he arrived in our " beautiful 
retreat," in Glen Beulah, the last of July, for quiet and literary labors. 
"Rest?" — as well ask the ocean to rest under the Euroclydon of 
America's free air. Under the auspices of the Missionary Move- 
ment in "Wisconsin, he was with us at great mass-meetings of Spirit- 
ualists held in Manchester, 111., — " The feast of continual baptism," 
— and in the Wisconsin towns of Fond du Lac, Glen Beulah, Omro, 
Neenah, Fox Lake ; and, week-evenings, lecturing in other towns on 
" Social Life in Turkey ; " everywhere commanding popular patron- 
age, and enforcing the truths of political and domestic liberty. 

On the evening of Aug. 14, during the mass-meeting in Omro, 
being then at the residence of E. Thompson, a circle was held, con- 
sisting of Mr. Peebles, Dr. Dunn, aud our self; when the Indian Pow- 
hatan appeared with Dr. Schwailbach, Dr. Willis, and Michael 
O'Brien, each of whom entranced the medium, and spoke in his char- 
acteristic dialect. Powhatan demagnetized the room, and introduced 
a spiritual atmosphere, hanging up magnetic curtains in the corners 
to protect " distinguished visitors " from mundane influences, and 
with great reverence ushered in " John," " Queen of Morn," and 
" Morning Star," whom he seated in magnetized chairs behind these 
invisible curtains. As usual, Aaron Nite was the speaker. That 
hour was hallowed : a holy awe pervaded our souls. Life was re- 
viewed ; its pilgrimage made golden in reminiscence. Their address 
exceeded even our thought to grasp its deep spirit-eloquence. A 
lever of light lifted us higher. We were in heaven ! They said a 
council of many spirits had recently been held in their world to de- 
vise ways and means for the inauguration of a more " efficient sys- 
tem of culture " among Spiritualists. In the summary, they suggested 
two principles in the " social structure : " — 

1. That the basis be moral spirituality, as the fundamental force of 
education ; to which Spiritual phenomena shall be simply incidental, 
as streams from its fountain. 

2. That the outward sign and seal of such society, or system of 
union, be a declared disposition to attain such spirituality. 



296 THE SPIRITUAL PILGRIM. 

On the occasion of his last lecture in Omro, portraying the hidden 
beauties of angel ministry, and the imperative duty of cultivating 
them, ennobling life with its divine virtues, he seemed, as Sister 
Brown of Ripon said, " the apostle John, acquainting us with God 
and heaven." But an hour before, we had retired like a turtle with- 
in its shell, self-condemning, weeping, in fact, over our mistrust, for 
the moment, of higher inspirations, yet yearning to be freer in expres- 
sion of soul to help bless the starving millions with this manna falling 
from the angel-skies. For this we received a deserved rebuke, and 
encouragement to overcome a " sinful modesty," as he called it. 
When rapt in the pathos of his theme, the vast congregation eager 
and grateful as flowers in the baptismal sunlight, and his mind rose 
higher on wing of ecstasy, just as he was using a beautiful figure to 
illustrate the burning thought, he was suddenly wheeled round ere the 
sentence was finished, and rushed to us upon the stand, and spread- 
ing his hands in benediction upon our head, unconscious of his act or 
words, saying aloud in the hearing of the people, " Brother, brother ! 
never, never, never again mistrust thyself ! Let thy light shine ! 
Give to mortals thy inspired truths ! for God hath chosen thee. 
Bless the needy, relieve the distressed, heal the sick and wounded 
hearts, console the sad, forgive the unfortunate, and show forth the 
record of a faithful ministry in the gospel of the angels." Then he 
passed to Dr. Dunn, and invoked a blessing upon him, charging him 
with counsel exactly adapted to his spiritual needs ; praying that we 
might both bear the mantle of peace together, after he, " the Pilgrim, 
has passed higher." That melting scene will never be forgotten, nor 
its wise lessons imparted by the inspiring spirit. " Never mistrust 
thyself" is a text that will ring in our ears, even when we cross 
over to the reward of duty done. 

Following his successful labors in Wisconsin, Mr. Peebles went to 
Chicago, filling a monthly engagement, enforcing the ardent object of 
his heart, — the construction of Spiritualistic society upon a basis of 
moral and devotional culture ; from Chicago to Battle Creek and 
Sturgis ; and thence to Cleveland, and there, too, pursuing the same 
policy, that the gazing world may soon be gladdened with the better 
fruits of Spiritualism. Cleveland was his radiative point in all 
directions ; lecturing nearly every week-evening, during the fall and 
winter mouths, in Norfolk, Ohio, Clyde, Kelley's Island, &c. 

In January, 1871, by the urgent request of the parties concerned, 



WATCHMAN, HO ! 297 

Mr. Peebles entered into the editorial copartnership of " The American 
Spiritualist" with Hudson Tuttle, A. A. Wheelock Managing Editor ; 
hoping, as he says, "to aid that faithful organ in its great strug- 
gle for the position it deserves." It bears the imprint of his great 
love-nature, taking broad and fraternal ground with " The Liberal 
Christian," " The Index," " The Radical," and public organs and 
speakers and mediums that have hearts as offerings for humanity. 

The following incident, appearing in. his editorial column, contains 
so fine a moral recommendatory to fidelity with all reformers, we 
extract its general wave-thought : — 

" An amusing scene occurred the other Sunday evening at our Spiritualist meeting in 
Cleveland. Reaching Lyceum Hall, a gentleman said to us, ' A lady has gone into the 

hall after you in great haste.' — ' Ah ! any one sick or dead ? ' — ' No ; but Mrs. wants 

you and your audience to adjourn, and go over in a body to the Universalist meeting in 
Garrett's Hall.' Entering Lyceum Hall, we saw our excellent sister — a firm Spiritualist 
— zealously engaged in persuading Spiritualists to leave their meeting, and attend that 
of the Universalists. Some had left. At length, approaching, she pleasantly urged us 
to dismiss our meeting, hinting that it would necessarily be ' very slim,' and all go over 
and hear Mrs. M. A. Livermore preach a Universalist sermon. Our comic side was 
touched. The missionary-business is ever in order; but for a Spiritualist to serve as a 
missionary for recruiting a sectarian church finds its parallel in the man who ' put a 
penny into the urn of charity, and took a shilling out.' 

" Taking our seat upon the rostrum, wet and drizzling as was the weather, we found 
there were a hundred and seventy present. When rising to speak, the number had in- 
creased to over two hundred. Voting is testing. We asked all who favored adjourning 
to Garrett's Hall to rise: not one arose ! When ready to commence speaking, there were 
full three hundred present. The lecture finished, Mr. Lawrence, a firm and consistent Spir- 
itualist, rising, and making some very happy remarks, complimenting the assembly for 
their adhesion to principle, and the speaker's good sense of propriety, asked such as ap- 
proved of the lecturer's course to rise; and, with the exception of something like half a 
dozen, the entire audience rose to their feet, and rose, too, with a right good will. It 
was a complete triumph for consistency, decision of character, and fixedness of prin- 
ciple." 

After canvassing the treatment which several Universalists received 
from their sect, and the creedal basis of their belief, mentioning 
among other practical things the folly of an unstable policy, he quotes 
from " The Cleveland Leader " a paragraph of Mrs. Livermore's 
discourse, with a review : — 

" The good man and the bad each have their punishment here. For the future of the former 
nothing need be feared ; no more for the latter : their eternity is alike. When the bad man 
enters the other world, he leaves his body, his sins and mortal part, behind, and goes a new 
soul, and commences under the tutelage of God to live a new life." 

"Every Spiritualist (says Mr. P.) who believes or realizes any thing of spirit-com- 
munion knows that these creedal positions are false; and yet they are invited to listen 



298 THE SPIRITUAL PILGRIM. 

to and sustain them by their influence and money. Many Spiritualists are doing this 
silly thing to-day all through the 'country. . . . 

" Spiritualism is progressive and catholic, embracing the good and the true of all 
creeds, climes, and worlds." 

Burns's " Holy Fair " seems appropriate here. The Peebles of his 
time has evidently lost no virtue in his representative brother of to- 
day : — 

" In good time comes an antidote 
Against sicj)oisoned nostrum ; 
For Peebles, frae the water fit, 
Ascends the holy rostrum : 
See I up he's got the word o' God, 
And meek and mine has viewed it." 

Mrs. Livermore, a patriotic and vigorous agitator of Woman's 
Franchise, and elevation to the highest trusts in the gift of the people, 
is a consistent example of the very wisdom Mr. Peebles recommends, — 
concentrative, constructive, defensive of her own " household of 
faith ; " and therefore succeeds, honoring, no doubt, the man who thus 
contends for the triumph of what he believes is truth and right : — 

..." Things should be called by their right names. This worldly policy is 
contemptible. The clown that made the attempt to ride two horses at once fell into 
the mud. 

" Sects we repudiate. Paper creeds are hardly fit for spittoons. Whenever Spiritual- 
ists fix upon a form of belief, and pronounce it a finality, they may count us out. 
1 Good for this day only ' should be the first article of every confession of faith. For 
radical Unitarians, Free Religionists, Shakers, and Liberalists, in all lands, we extend 
the warm fraternal hand of fellowship, and ask to be considered their co-worker. 

" Had every mortal left the hall, Sunday evening, we- should have remained at our 
post. With God and angels present, none are alone. When Spiritualists support genuine 
mediums ; when they will cease chasing up every passing novelty, and stand by their 
convictions of truth ; when they will cease supporting sectarian churches, and sustain 
regular meetings of their own ; when they will encourage lyceums, good music, order, 
liberal giving, religious culture, acknowledging and working with God's ministering 
spirits for redemptive purposes, — then will Spiritualism become a mighty moral power 
in the world." 

During his successful labors in Cleveland, a mass convention of 
Spiritualists and Shakers was held, about the beginning of the year 
1871, in the Lyceum Hall of that metropolis. Mr. Peebles was 
elected president. Among the very interesting incidents connected 
with this meeting, " The Cleveland Herald " reports : — 

"Rev. J. N. Still (the same brother who met Mr. Peebles about two years before in 
Portland), a colored itinerant Spiritualist, arose in the audience. He was invited to the 
stage, and made a few remarks. He told of what he had seen through visions, saying 
among other things that he saw ' that brother ' (the chairman) in the spirit three years 



WATCHMAN, HO ! 299 

before he saw his face; and he was led from the wilds of Virginia to Portland to meet 
him. He also had a clear view of all the events in the history of Spiritualism that are 
now taking place ; and he wrote a book about it. Ever since he saw that new light, he 
had been traveling every day upon his great mission, begging his bread wherever he 
went. He believed Spiritualism to be the great system that is to enlighten and purify 
the world. He felt a burden of spirit upon him for his own race ; that he was the apostle 
commissioned to tell them the glad tidings. 

"As he closed he was loudly applauded. The chairman said he met him (Mr. S.) 
some years ago, and believed him to be a true and faithful advocate of Spiritualism, 
acting under the control and direction of the spirits. As he descended the stage, an 
elderly Shaker gave him his seat, the man sobbing at the general expression of sympa- 
thy." 

Here were gathered representatives of a class of Spiritualists under 
the once-ignominious name of Shakers, that hold property in common, 
having " no saloons, no brothels, no swearing, no manifestations of 
ill temper, no rant, cant, nor hypocrisy, — a people living quiet, sim- 
ple, spiritual lives, always devout, happy, and serene." Upon the 
stand were Elders William Reynolds and Oliver C. Hampton, of 
Union Village, Warren County, O. ; Elder Frederick W. Evans, Mt. 
Lebanon, N.Y. ; Elder George Albert Lomas, Watervliet, Albany, 
Elder James S. Prescott, North Union, O. ; Elder Ephraim Frost, 
Lebanon, near Dayton, 0. ; and several elderesses ; besides a fine 
band of singers, and thirty or more Shaker laymen from North 
Union ; also W. W. Bloom, Carrie Lewis, Mr. Peebles, and other 
Spiritualists. 

This conventional action of the Shakers indicates the moral hero- 
ism of their inspiration. Coming from their recluse to win some to 
their simple-minded purities is the experiment which an angel may 
try at his peril. If their , virtues corrode not with this magnetic 
touch, it will prove that here is power of redemption against which 
" the gates of hell shall not prevail." But it is the divine way : 
good shall not be hidden. The sweet bud must blossom, though it 
die in the expending of its fragrance. 

The sentiments of these speakers are so lofty in spirit, under the 
hearty indorsement of Mr. Peebles in the chair, we deem a few ex- 
tracts a beautiful adornment here : — 

" Love is of God, — pure, holy, free. Lust, apostolically speaking, is ' earthly, sen- 
sual, and devilish ; ' and those who could not and did not distinguish between love, free 
love, and lust, only reveal the degrading depravity of their natures. Love, under the 
guidance of wisdom, is the great redemptive power of the universe. 'If ye love me,' 



300 THE SPIRITUAL PILGRIM. 

said Jesus, ' ye will keep my commandments.' Freedom and love walk hand in hand in 
the resurrection-state, — a state attainable in this present life through self-abnegation, 
and holy consecration to the good and the true. 

" Shakers and Spiritualists are one in their knowledge of immortality and the primal 
objects of existence. Through the influence of Spiritualism, sectarianism, with its 
bigotry, intolerance, and tyranny, will be swept away. Neither Spiritualists nor Shakers 
should be afraid of abuse, slander, and ridicule ; for, if their doctrines were correct, they 
could only be strengthened by opposition. Believers — meaning the Shakers — have 
come into order. Their baptism is from the heavens. The disorderly, disintegrating 
fanaticisms prevailing to some extent among Spiritualists bring dishonor upon the truth. 
There is no point upon which the Shakers are so misunderstood as marriage. This is the 
lion in the way. But believers are not opposed to those on the Adamic plane in the 
world ' marrying and being given in marriage.' This is well. But there is a Christ plane 
of purity above it. Their warfare is against the abuses of marriage, the expenditure of 
the seminal forces, the social evil, and the monopoly of private property. 

"The Children's Progressive Lyceum is alive institution, bound to progress as one 
of the reforms of the nineteenth century. It doth not yet appear what it will be. God 
bless the effort ! 

" The Bible is a compendium of the history and literature of the Jewish people, and 
is no more the word of God than is the bible of any other nation. Let us accord the same 
respect to the Koran of the Mohammedans, the bible of the Chinese, or that of any other 
people. 

" When woman shall have attained her full social and political rights, she will be the 
balance-wheel of government : wars will cease, and the political arena will be purged of 
its uncleanness. Shakers do not fight: they are an example of what would be the re- 
sult if women were put on an equality with men. The ' social evil ' is everywhere per- 
plexing the legislatures and municipal authorities. We declare against war, — the killing 
of hundreds of thousands of men, and entailing untold suffering upon widows and 
orphans, to gratify the whims of politicians. There is in every human soul the germ of 
a spiritual life, that, when quickened into activity, will lift persons up into the Christ 
sphere, where the animal natures and propensities are entirely subdued. 

" It is perfectly right and proper, that, on the earthly plane, people should have hus- 
bands and wives, as much so as that they should have wealth ; and they only sacrifice 
that for something better in the higher sphere. There is wealth enough in the world to 
give every human being enough to place him above want. The Shakers have proved 
that, under the community system, all have enough and to spare. We yearly feed thou- 
sands of poor who never do a stroke of work for us. 

" When these principles, of fraternity become practicalized, the long-prom- 
ised age of peace and plenty, of love and good will to men, will have dawned ; yea, it 
will have been fully inaugurated upon earth, angels walking hand in hand with a regen- 
erated humanity. Spiritualism is a call for higher religious observance in life : hence we 
find the highest class of Spiritualists organized in the heavens and on the earth, with 
self-denial as their savior, a divine life their basis, and the practical operation of the 
Sermon on the Mount their religion. True Spiritualists do not under-estimate self-denial : 
they see the elements of eternal life in a celibate life, and freedom from war, slavery, 
sickness, and destitution, by living a life above the plane of mere earthly loves and sen- 
sual excitements. Let Spiritualists organize on the principles of eternal, never-changing 
life, and they will see the shackles of marriage, war, private property, and disease, — all 
the relations and conditions of temporary corruption, — fleeing as does the dew before 
the rising sun, — the sun of the millennial day. The great lights of Spiritualism admit 
two distinct orders of life, — the natural and the spiritual : the one belonging to the earth, 



WATCHMAN, HO ! 301 

earthy ; the other to the heavens, heavenly. And, as heaven is a condition of purity and 
holiness, it should be inaugurated on earth. This was the prayer of Jesus, — ' Thy king- 
dom come.' This divine kingdom, or high spiritual condition, had come to Jesus. It 
will come to all, when, like the believers called ' Shakers,' they appreciate and enter into 
the resurrection-state. ' I am the resurrection and the life,' said Jesus." 



"Working faithfully in Troy, N.Y., then in Boston, lecturing 
before the popular audiences of Music Hall, Mr. Peebles, by urgent 
request, went to New Orleans, La., sowing there and in other 
Southern localities " the precious seed." The interest was electric. 
The Southern heart is exceedingly genial. Freed now from the in- 
cubus of oppression, the Caucasian and sable races, under the domain 
of the same " stars and stripes," are greeting this morning of a new 
day with hallelujahs that find tongues in the very waves of the great 
Gulf. East, west, north, south ! — so rolls on the tide of inspiration ; 
and the lilies of our truth are blossoming in every isle, continent, and 
sea. 

The city papers favorably noticed his successes there. The friends 
were encouraged. In " Editorial Etchings," published in " The 
American Spiritualist," he writes, — 

..." Our rooms are in the St. Charles Hotel. Have already met several of the 
friends. The Southern heart is warm and generous. How easy to find the good, the 
beautiful, and the true, when we search for them ! . . . There are many Spiritualists in 
New Orleans. . . . They need, as everywhere, system, method, and unitive work. . . . 
We have met noble, ay, royal souls in this city. The South abounds in them. It has 
gladdened our heart to clasp their hands, receiving favors and personal kindnesses. Ac- 
quaintances of this character ripen into enduring friendships. All the memories of the 
month, connected with our lectures upon Spiritualism, are pleasant. Long will they re- 
main in the treasure-chambers of the soul's sanctuary. Dr. J. W. Allen, a most excel- 
lent man, is the president of the Spiritualist society. ... A confession. — At two 
o'clock, accompanied by a friend, long known to us in Michigan, started for a Spanish 
cock-pit, to witness some gaff and spur gymnastics. It was daylight: why not see all 
sides of the world ? The building, at the corner of Eoman and Dumaine Streets, bears 
some resemblance within to a theater. The patrons were mostly Spanish and French, 
with a fair sprinkling of city officials, and three members of the legislature. Though 
the fowls fought well, the sight was disgusting and hateful beyond description. The 
young lads smoked ; the men betted, cheered, and shouted. A strange world, — cocks 
fight in New Orleans, bulls fight in Spain, and men fight in France ; the motive force 
and purpose of the combatants being victory. Those French and German Christians 
did bloodier fighting, however, than do trained birds in the South, or bulls in Spain. 
Civil and national wars will prevail just as long as the animal predominates over the 
moral nature. War for any cause is utterly opposed to the whole genius and tenor of 
Spiritualism. No practical Spiritualist can buckle on the martial armor, and go out to 
murder his fellow-beings." 



302 THE SPIEITUAL PILGRIM. 

We quote again, from a private letter to us, dated Goldsborough, 
N.C., May 4, 1871. 

..." So, brother, I have visited every State in the Union, except Arkansas, Texas, 
and Florida. Spoke in Mobile on Monday evening. Had a pleasant time in Maysville, 
S.C. Here is a military school. Had a pleasant argumentative interview with some 
of the military students. The contest was on peace and war. They thought if all 
Northern men had cherished and practiced ' peace principles,' there would have been 
no war, North and South. 

" Last evening I spoke in Goldsborough, — expect a crowd to-night. Bros. N. F. White 
and E. V. Wilson have spoken here to large congregations. 

. . . "I ought to have said, that in Mobile, Ala., a gentleman, John Bowen, threw 
open his parlor-doors, and we had a large and enthusiastic meeting. On the whole, I 
am delighted with the South. The people are cordial, warm-hearted, and noble, and 
very Uberal in theologies. 

. . . " I have just dined with Rev. H. Bain, Universalist minister here in Golds- 
borough. He is a firm and out-spoken Spiritualist, and his daughter is a medium. 
Love to Olive, ' Uncle Harry,' and children." 

Lecturing a month in Baltimore, his old battle-ground, now en- 
flowering from the spiritual seed of his sowing, Mr. Peebles returned 
to Cleveland, from which city he writes in private : — 

" Brother, I am going to Europe again; sail 1st of July. The London people insist upon 
my speaking while I am there. Oh, my dear English friends, how I love them! They 
beg of me to come and spend the winter, as Emma Hardinge returns to America. This 
I can not do, as I am engaged for October in Louisville ; then for four or five months in 
Memphis, New Orleans, Mobile, and Washington. Bro. A. J. Davis has just written 
me a long and beautiful letter, full of good words to bear to the English Spiritualists, 
&c. It was dated, Orange, June 11, 1871. In it he says, — 

" ' Mary and I always read your articles in the different journals and books you pub- 
lish, and find you surely on the right side of truth, justice, and love. I was particularly 
interested in your late article in " The Present Age," on " Pymander," showing how 
exactly the human mind makes a circle every three or four thousand years in the per- 
ceptioa and declaration of ideas.' 

" This letter reminds me of William and Mary Howitt of England, whose hearts are 
in their hands. When shall I see them again? There is not a wrinkle on their souls ; 
and, owing to a pure life, their foreheads are so spiritually beautiful, we forget, and 
scarcely see any wrinkles there." 

Sunday evening, June 25, " The Children's Progressive Lyceum," 
of Cleveland, with other generous friends, accompanied Mr. Peebles 
to the cars, where with " Angels bless you" he started for Europe. 
He is now in England, making arrangements for the publication of 
" Higgin's Anacalpysis," gathering facts for the " Year-Book of 
Spiritualism for 1872," consulting English and French Spiritualists 
relative to a future world's convention of Spiritualists, and lecturing 



WATCHMAN, HO ! 303 

there occasionally. Elder F. W. Evans, editor of " The Shaker," 
published under the auspices of the Mt. Lebanon Association of 
Shakers, is with him in England, — two brothers in the spirit. 

As Mr. Peebles physically wears away, and approaches the spirit- 
world, he is more sensitive and sympathetic, distressed at times over 
the raging waves of human passions. This life looks to him more 
and more an exile from his native land. In a private note to us is 
this ebullition of soul, — 

..." Earth is hell, rimmed now and then with a scattering rose-bush : a valley of dust 
and dry bones, touched now and then by a breath from the summer-lands of heaven. 
Marching through this valley, I often weary and faint. my brother ! when will our 
labors end V 

..." In one of your letters you ask, ' When are you coming home ? ' 

" How much meaning in that question ! 

"Home! strange word, inciting in my bosom queer and quivering emotions! My 
earthly home is in Hammonton, N.J. ; my spiritual home is in Rockford, 111., under the 
white wing of Dr. E. C. Dunn's spirit-circle: my celestial home is in the Shaker fra- 
ternities, where reigns the Christ-spirit of purity and peace ; and my general home is 
the universe. To-day I am at home in New Orleans, this Crescent City of summer 
flowers and sunny skies ; but I sigh. Oh ! how my soul sighs for that home above, 
eternal in the heavens ! " 

" Thy earthly work," say the angels to the ".Spiritual Pilgrim" 
" has not yet reached its zenith ; thy cup is not full ; more trials 
await thee ; thou art not spiritually ripe. Be patient for the harvest, 
when we shall call for thee. " 

Wherefore are the rocks clad in blossoming vines ? wherefore is 
the trodden dust so fragrant ? A spirit has walked there ; immortal 
pilgrims have carried there the virtue of their light. " How beau- 
tiful are the feet of him that bringeth good tidings of good ! " An 
exiled John has been in every clime, "in the spirit on the Lord's 
Day." He bears the burden of duty as a joyous privilege. Grayed 
by the storms of adversity, with staff in hand, his eye scanning the 
terraces of progress, his head dusted with the evening sunlight, he 
is rapidly nearing the spirit-world ; he is climbing the mountain of 
life, on whose crest is his "Angel of Love," beckoning, " Come up 
hither ! " 

O ye faithful ! take courage in the battle. Our bloody sweat en- 
riches' the Gethsemanes of human sorrow ; our tears are mirrors to 
see the glory to come. Plant love-seeds where our dear brother has 
wrought in the hours of spring. Lo, the birds of paradise are in 
grand oratorio ! The celestials say of us, — 

" Behold the chain of Pearls ! " 






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